Sidebar Scoring Interpreting

PROMIS®

PROMIS measures are scored on the T-score metric. High scores mean more of the concept being measured.

T-score Metric

PROMIS, Neuro-QoL™, ASCQ-Me®, and many of the NIH Toolbox® measures use a T-score metric in which 50 is the mean of a relevant reference population and 10 is the standard deviation (SD) of that population.

On the T-score metric:

  • A score of 40 is one SD lower than the mean of the reference population.
  • A score of 60 is one SD higher than the mean of the reference population.

Direction of Scores

For PROMIS measures, higher scores equals more of the concept being measured (e.g., more Fatigue, more Physical Function). Thus a score of 60 is one standard deviation above the average referenced population. This could be a desirable or undesirable outcome, depending upon the concept being measured.

For more information about interpreting PROMIS scores, watch this 4 minute video.