Estimate Your Norwood Stage

Free Norwood Stage Baldness Calculator for Men

We've created a short 5-question test to help you estimate the stage of hair loss you may be at. Note that this test is not to be used as a diagnosis and should be used for information purposes only. There are many underlying factors that may affect your hair loss. Our personal treatment plans are only created following a consultation and scalp health assessment to assess suitability.

The Norwood Scale (or the Norwood-Hamilton Scale) is a standard classification system for male pattern baldness created in 1951 by Dr James Hamilton and updated in 1975 by Dr O'Tar Norwood. Doctors and hair loss practitioners worldwide use the scale to diagnose hair loss and track the progression of loss in men. If you're experiencing hair loss, the Norwood Scale may help you understand whether your loss is stabilised or worsening over time, and which treatments may be worth discussing.

  • 5 questionsthen a visual match
  • About 2 minutesno email to see your result
  • Research-based7 published references
The 7 classes of the Norwood Scale, viewed from above

Ready to find your Norwood stage?

Five quick questions, then a visual match against the scale. About two minutes, no email required to see your result.

General information only. Not a diagnosis or medical assessment.

The 7 classes of the Norwood Scale

Viewed from above, face at the top. Shaded areas show where hair is typically lost at each class.

  • Class 1Full hairline
  • Class 2Slight temple recession
  • Class 3M, U or V-shaped recession
  • Class 4Temple recession plus a crown patch
  • Class 5Crown and front closing in
  • Class 6Front and crown have merged
  • Class 7Only a band remains

The Research Behind the Norwood Scale

The Norwood Scale has 7 grades of male pattern hair loss with 12 distinct types (1). The classification exists as the progression of hair loss, and treatments available may be different for someone with a thinning hairline vs. a bald patch on the back of their head.

However, despite public information and visualisations of each of the 7 stages of the Norwood Scale, rating your hair loss on the scale works best when a trained practitioner applies it. In a 2004 study by the University of Western Australia, men rating their own hair loss matched the trained practitioner's rating only 48.5% to 55.8% of the time (2). A trained practitioner may assess more of your scalp, hair density, and follicle health to rate you on the Norwood Scale.

48.5% to 55.8%how often men's own rating matched a trained practitioner's (2)
7 gradesof male pattern hair loss, with 12 distinct types (1)

Norwood Scale key facts:

In a 2025 study (3), the proportion of the scalp lost to hair loss at each Norwood stage was:

  • Stage I0.0%
  • Stage II14.4%
  • Stage III24.6%
  • Stage IV34.2%
  • Stage V40.3%
  • Stage VI65.9%

The Norwood Scale classification was created by studying 1,000 white male adults with pattern baldness (5). Many further studies have been produced across different ethnicities.

Scalp donor supply may be insufficient for a hair transplant for Norwood grades 6 and 7 (4).

Norwood Scale FAQs

Not sure which class fits? Book a free 15-minute discovery call with a hair growth advisor.

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What is the Norwood scale?

The Norwood-Hamilton Scale is a standard classification system for diagnosing and tracking male pattern baldness. It's used globally by doctors and hair loss practitioners to guide them on the stages of hair loss and available treatments. The standard classification for female pattern baldness is called the Ludwig scale.

How accurate is this baldness calculator?

The baldness calculator is an estimate only and is to be used for information purposes only. The test relies on your judgement or your hair loss experience, rather than a health assessment and formal diagnosis.

What Norwood stage should I be at before considering a hair transplant?

In general, Norwood Stage 3 is considered to be the first stage a hair transplant may be recommended. However, it depends on personal circumstances and underlying conditions.

Does hair loss always progress?

Some types of hair loss may stabilise when an underlying condition is treated or a lifestyle change occurs. Not all types of hair loss respond to treatment in the same way.

Is the Norwood Scale used for women?

No, the standardised scale for female pattern baldness is called the Ludwig Scale. Males and Females may experience hair loss differently, and a different scale is required to diagnose and track the progression.

What if my hair loss doesn't look like the pattern shown here?

Individuals experience hair loss differently, and not everyone will easily fall into the Norwood Scale. Book a free 15-minute discovery call with our hair growth advisor to discuss your loss pattern.

Ready to explore your options?

If you're considering hair restoration, you can book a 15-minute virtual information session with a trained Gro Clinics consultant.

We'll walk you through the process, answer general questions, and explain next steps if you're interested in an in-clinic assessment.

This call is for general information only and not a medical consultation.

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