BODE Index Calculator (COPD prognosis: BMI, obstruction, dyspnea, exercise)

Understanding the BODE index calculator — concept and principle

This calculator works out the BODE index, a 0–10 score that combines body-mass index, airflow obstruction, breathlessness and exercise capacity to describe prognosis in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It shows the points for each component and the approximate four-year survival in the original study. Respiratory clinicians, rehabilitation staff and students use it.

B + O + D + E points — with the default inputs: BODE 4.

How it is calculated

B, BMI: above 21 → 0; 21 or less → 1
O, FEV₁ % predicted after bronchodilator: 65 or more → 0; 50–64 → 1; 36–49 → 2; 35 or less → 3
D, breathlessness (mMRC): grade 0–1 → 0; 2 → 1; 3 → 2; 4 → 3
E, 6-minute walk: 350 m or more → 0; 250–349 → 1; 150–249 → 2; 149 or less → 3
Total 0–10; approximate 4-year survival in the original cohort: 0–2 about 80%, 3–4 about 67%, 5–6 about 57%, 7–10 about 18%

The principle

Celli and colleagues (2004) showed that combining four measures predicted survival in COPD better than lung function alone. FEV₁ captures the airway problem, but breathlessness, walking capacity and nutrition reflect how the disease affects the whole person. Each component scores more points as it worsens, so a higher total means a poorer outlook. Pulmonary rehabilitation can improve the walking and breathlessness components.

Worked example

Defaults: FEV₁ 48%, 6-minute walk 320 m, mMRC grade 2, BMI 23.

FEV₁ 48% → 2 points.
6-minute walk 320 m → 1 point.
mMRC 2 → 1 point.
BMI 23 → 0 points.
BODE = 4; approximate 4-year survival in the original cohort 67%.

Each point is the calculator re-run with only “FEV₁ after bronchodilator (% of predicted)” changed; the gold point is the default example. Change the inputs above and this chart follows your numbers.

FEV₁ after bronchodilator (% of predicted)	BODE index (0–10)
12	5
24	5
36	4
48	4
60	3
72	2
96	2

How to read the result

Where does your result fall?

The survival figures describe groups in a 2004 study and cannot predict one person's future. Treatment has improved since, and the index is mainly used to describe severity and track change. A falling score after rehabilitation reflects real functional improvement.

Common mistakes

Using FEV₁ before bronchodilator.
Using a 6-minute walk done on a short course.
Mixing up mMRC grades with other breathlessness scales.
Reading the survival percentage as a personal prognosis.

Keep in mind: Not a diagnosis or a personal prognosis. Discuss results with your respiratory team.

Frequently asked questions

What is a high BODE index?

7–10 is the highest band, associated with the poorest survival in the original study.

Can the BODE index improve?

Yes, for example with pulmonary rehabilitation improving walking distance and breathlessness.

What does mMRC grade 2 mean?

Walking slower than peers because of breathlessness or having to stop on level ground.

Sources: Celli BR, Cote CG, Marin JM, et al., "The body-mass index, airflow obstruction, dyspnea, and exercise capacity index in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease", N Engl J Med 2004;350(10):1005–1012

Checked 9 Nov 2026. Celli BR, Cote CG, Marin JM, et al., “The body-mass index, airflow obstruction, dyspnea, and exercise capacity index in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease”, N Engl J Med 2004;350(10):1005–1012 — point values and approximate 4-year survival by score band as given in the MSD Manual professional calculator (BODE) and Respir Res 2009;10:1, Table 1.

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