Sofa Score Calculator
Calculate Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score for sepsis and organ dysfunction. Enter values for instant results with step-by-step formulas.
Reviewed by Rahul Singh, Health & Wellness Specialist
Formula
SOFA = Respiration(0-4) + Coagulation(0-4) + Liver(0-4) + Cardiovascular(0-4) + CNS(0-4) + Renal(0-4)
Six organ systems are each scored 0-4 based on degree of dysfunction. Total score ranges from 0 to 24. Higher scores indicate greater organ dysfunction and higher ICU mortality. SOFA ≥2 with suspected infection meets the Sepsis-3 definition of sepsis.
Worked Examples
Example 1: Mild Organ Dysfunction
Problem:ICU patient with mild hypoxia (PaO2/FiO2 350), slightly low platelets (130k), alert, normal BP, normal renal function.
Solution:Respiration: 1 (PaO2/FiO2 301-400)\nCoagulation: 1 (Platelets 100-149)\nLiver: 0\nCardiovascular: 0\nCNS: 0\nRenal: 0\nTotal SOFA = 2\nMortality: ~3-5%
Result:SOFA 2 — Low-Moderate severity, meets Sepsis-3 threshold if infection present
Example 2: Severe Multi-Organ Failure
Problem:Septic shock patient: PaO2/FiO2 80 on ventilator, platelets 18k, bilirubin 8.5, on norepinephrine 0.3, GCS 7, creatinine 4.2.
Solution:Respiration: 4\nCoagulation: 4\nLiver: 3\nCardiovascular: 4\nCNS: 3\nRenal: 3\nTotal SOFA = 21\nMortality: >80%
Result:SOFA 21 — Critical, multi-organ failure with very high mortality
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SOFA score?
The Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score is used to track a patient's status in the ICU by assessing the extent of organ dysfunction across six organ systems: respiratory, coagulation, liver, cardiovascular, central nervous system, and renal. Each system is scored 0-4, giving a total range of 0-24. Higher scores indicate greater organ dysfunction and higher mortality risk. It is also a key component of the Sepsis-3 definition.
How does SOFA relate to sepsis diagnosis?
Under the Sepsis-3 definition (2016), sepsis is defined as life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. Organ dysfunction is identified as an acute change in total SOFA score ≥2 points consequent to the infection. A SOFA score ≥2 in the setting of suspected infection has a mortality of approximately 10% or greater.
What is the qSOFA score?
The quick SOFA (qSOFA) is a bedside screening tool using three criteria: altered mental status (GCS <15), systolic BP ≤100 mmHg, and respiratory rate ≥22. Two or more qSOFA points should prompt further assessment for organ dysfunction (full SOFA score), increased monitoring, and consideration of infection. qSOFA is not a diagnostic tool but a screening prompt.
How often should SOFA be calculated?
SOFA should be calculated at ICU admission and then every 24-48 hours to track organ dysfunction trends. The change in SOFA (delta-SOFA) over time is more predictive of outcome than a single measurement. An increasing SOFA score suggests worsening organ dysfunction and carries a worse prognosis, while a decreasing score suggests recovery.
References
Reviewed by Rahul Singh, Health & Wellness Specialist · Editorial policy