How to Calculate Burnout Inventory

What is Burnout Inventory?

The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) Score Calculator measures occupational burnout across three dimensions: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment, using 22 items each rated on a 0-6 frequency scale.

Formula

MBI produces 3 separate subscale scores: EE (0-54), DP (0-30), PA (0-48); do NOT combine into a single total

EE: Emotional Exhaustion (points (0-54)) — Feeling emotionally drained and overwhelmed by work demands
DP: Depersonalization (points (0-30)) — Treating colleagues/clients as impersonal objects; cynicism and detachment
PA: Personal Accomplishment (points (0-48)) — Sense of competence and achievement at work; LOW scores indicate burnout
Fi: Item Frequency (points (0-6)) — 0=Never, 1=Few times/year, 2=Monthly, 3=Few times/month, 4=Weekly, 5=Few times/week, 6=Daily

Step-by-Step Guide

1Rate 22 items on frequency from 0 (never) to 6 (every day)
2Calculate Emotional Exhaustion (9 items, max 54): high burnout >= 27
3Calculate Depersonalization (5 items, max 30): high burnout >= 13
4Calculate Personal Accomplishment (8 items, max 48): high burnout <= 21 (low PA indicates burnout)

Worked Examples

Input

Healthcare worker: EE items avg 4.0, DP items avg 2.5, PA items avg 3.0

Result

EE: 36/54 (high), DP: 12.5/30 (moderate), PA: 24/48 (moderate). High emotional exhaustion with moderate depersonalization suggests significant burnout risk.

Input

Teacher: EE items avg 2.0, DP items avg 1.0, PA items avg 5.0

Result

EE: 18/54 (moderate), DP: 5/30 (low), PA: 40/48 (high). Generally healthy profile with moderate emotional exhaustion warranting monitoring.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

✕Combining the three subscales into a single "burnout score" — the MBI authors explicitly state the three dimensions should remain separate
✕Scoring Personal Accomplishment in the same direction as EE and DP — low PA scores indicate burnout (reverse direction)
✕Using the original 1981 cutoffs without considering updated norms for your specific profession

Frequently Asked Questions

What does high burnout look like on the MBI?

High burnout is indicated by high Emotional Exhaustion (>= 27), high Depersonalization (>= 13), AND low Personal Accomplishment (<= 21). Having just one elevated subscale suggests risk, but all three elevated indicates full burnout syndrome.

Is the MBI the same as the WHO definition of burnout?

The MBI predates and informed the WHO ICD-11 definition. WHO (2019) defined burnout as an occupational phenomenon with three dimensions matching the MBI: exhaustion, mental distance/cynicism, and reduced professional efficacy.

Can I use the MBI for free?

No. The MBI is a proprietary instrument published by Mind Garden, Inc. and requires purchasing licenses for clinical or research use. There are free alternatives like the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) and Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI).

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