KPSKarnofsky Performance Status
Select Performance Level
Functional Score
100%
Definition
Able to carry on normal activity and to work; no special care needed.
Guidelines & Evidence
Verified
Last Review: 2026-07-17
How it Works
Functional Decile Mapping
| Score (%) | Level of Functional Capacity |
|---|---|
| 100 | No complaints; no evidence of disease. |
| 90 | Able to carry on normal activity; minor signs or symptoms. |
| 80 | Normal activity with effort; some signs or symptoms. |
| 70 | Cares for self; unable to carry on normal activity or active work. |
| 60 | Requires occasional assistance; able to care for most personal needs. |
| 50 | Requires considerable assistance and frequent medical care. |
| 40 | Disabled; requires special care and assistance. |
| 30 | Severely disabled; hospital admission indicated. |
| 20 | Very sick; hospital admission necessary; active supportive treatment. |
| 10 | Moribund; fatal processes progressing rapidly. |
| 0 | Dead. |
Clinical Pearls
Statistical Reliability
Strong positive correlation with Katz ADL ($r = 0.895$) and negative correlation with IADL ($r = -0.894$).
Internal reliability (Cronbach’s alpha) calculated at 0.720 in palliative settings (Yıldız Çeltek, 2019).
Independent validation in Turkish cohorts verified KPS as highly reliable for outpatient and palliative care evaluation.
The Evidence
Validation Studies
Karnofsky Performance Scale validity and reliability of Turkish palliative cancer patients.
Yıldız Çeltek N et al. • Turk J Med Sci. 2019;
View SourceNIH Systematic Review
Appendix 6: Karnofsky performance status and WHO performance status scores.
HTA Systematic Review • NIH Bookshelf. 2011;
View SourceOrigins & History
Institutional Resources
Creator Attribution
The scale was originally defined by Dr. Joseph H. Burchenal and Dr. David A. Karnofsky in 1949 and has since become a global standard for clinical oncology and palliative medicine.
Last Comprehensive Review: 2026-07-17