THE FITZPATRICK SCALE

 

The Fitzpatrick Scale is a classification system that categorizes human skin types based on their response to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, particularly how much a person’s skin burns or tans after sun exposure. It was developed by Dr. Thomas B. Fitzpatrick in 1975 to help dermatologists and medical professionals better understand skin sensitivity to sun exposure and its risk of sunburn, skin cancer, and other conditions.

 

INSTRUCTIONS: Please answer the following questions based on your skin’s natural reaction to sun exposure. Choose the response Letter (A – E) that best fits your experience.

Then compare the letters to the number chart below. Add up the numbers and the then compare the total of the numbers to your Fitzpatrick Skin Type Classification chart below.

1. What is the natural color of your skin (areas not exposed to the sun)?

☐ A. Very fair (Ivory white)

☐ B. Fair or pale

☐ C. Beige or light brown

☐ D. Olive or moderate brown

☐ E. Dark brown

☐ F. Very dark brown to black

2. What is your eye color?

☐ A. Light blue, light gray, or light green

☐ B. Blue, gray, or green

☐ C. Hazel or light brown

☐ D. Dark brown

☐ E. Black

3. What is your natural hair color?

☐ A. Red or strawberry blonde

☐ B. Blonde

☐ C. Light brown

☐ D. Dark brown

☐ E. Black

4. How does your skin respond to sun exposure?

☐ A. Always burns, never tans

☐ B. Burns easily, tans minimally

☐ C. Burns moderately, tans gradually

☐ D. Rarely burns, tans easily

☐ E. Never burns, tans very easily

5. How does your skin tan after sun exposure?

☐ A. I don’t tan at all

☐ B. Tans minimally

☐ C. Tans lightly

☐ D. Tans moderately

☐ E. Tans deeply

6. How sensitive is your skin to sun exposure?

☐ A. Extremely sensitive

☐ B. Very sensitive

☐ C. Moderately sensitive

☐ D. Slightly sensitive

☐ E. Not sensitive

Scoring:

Add up the values for each answer according to the following system:

Response Value
A 0
B 1
C 2
D 3
E 4
F 5
LETTER/NUMBER COMPARISON CHART

ADD THE TOTAL NUMBERS: ___________

THEN COMPARE THE TOTAL TO THE CHART BELOW:

Fitzpatrick Skin Type Classification:

  • 0 – 6 points: Type I (Very fair, always burns, never tans)
  • 7 – 12 points: Type II (Fair, burns easily, tans minimally)
  • 13 – 18 points: Type III (Beige, burns moderately, tans gradually)
  • 19 – 24 points: Type IV (Olive, burns minimally, tans easily)
  • 25 – 30 points: Type V (Moderate brown, rarely burns, tans easily)
  • 31+ points: Type VI (Very dark brown to black, never burns, tans deeply)

Final Skin Type Classification:

Skin Type: _________________________________