Fitzpatrick Skin Type Classification Calculator
The Fitzpatrick Skin Type Classification (also known as Fitzpatrick phototyping) categorizes skin based on its response to ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. It assesses sunburn susceptibility and tanning ability through a questionnaire evaluating eye color, hair color, skin color, sunburn history, and tanning response, producing a score from 0-42 that maps to skin types I (very fair) through VI (dark).
About
Developed by Dr. Thomas Fitzpatrick in 1975, this classification system divides skin into 6 types based on melanin content and reaction to UV exposure. It is widely used in dermatology for determining appropriate phototherapy dosing, predicting skin cancer risk, selecting cosmetic laser parameters, and recommending sun protection. The classification is based on a 5-question scoring system.
Formula
Scoring: Eye color (2-5) + Hair color (2-5) + Skin color (1-6) + Sunburn response (0-10) + Tanning response (0-10) = Total (0-42). Type I: 0-7, Type II: 8-15, Type III: 16-23, Type IV: 24-30, Type V: 31-36, Type VI: 37-42.
The calculator scores five phenotypic and historical characteristics. Higher scores indicate more melanin and greater natural UV protection. Lower scores indicate fair skin with higher sun sensitivity and increased risk of sunburn and skin cancer. Each parameter is weighted differently in the total score.
Score Interpretation
The Fitzpatrick skin type classification is essential for determining appropriate UV exposure in phototherapy (e.g., psoriasis, vitiligo), selecting laser parameters for hair removal and cosmetic procedures, predicting the risk of sunburn and skin cancer, and recommending appropriate sunscreen SPF levels. Skin types I-II have significantly increased risk of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers.
Fitzpatrick Skin Type — 0+
Fitzpatrick skin type I-VI classification.
Management: Use skin type to guide sun protection, phototherapy dosing, and laser safety.
Reference Ranges
| Population | Normal Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Type I (Very fair) | 0-7 | Always burns, never tans |
| Type II (Fair) | 8-15 | Usually burns, tans with difficulty |
| Type III (Average) | 16-23 | Sometimes burns, tans gradually |
| Type IV (Olive) | 24-30 | Rarely burns, tans easily |
| Type V (Brown) | 31-36 | Very rarely burns, tans very easily |
| Type VI (Dark) | 37-42 | Never burns, deeply pigmented |
Dr. Khaled Hassan
Dr. Khaled is a cardiology consultant with experience in acute cardiac care.
View medical review board & editorial policy →Example Calculation
Patient with brown eyes (4), brown hair (4), light-medium skin (3), sometimes burns/tans gradually (6+6). Total = 23. Fitzpatrick Type III (Average skin). Recommend SPF 30-50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Related Conditions
Common Mistakes
Using the Fitzpatrick scale to predict skin cancer risk alone
The Fitzpatrick scale assesses sun reactivity, not cumulative sun damage. Combine it with total sun exposure history, number of nevi, family history of melanoma, and clinical skin examination for comprehensive skin cancer risk assessment.