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Patient Tool · Pectus Excavatum

Haller Index self-assessment
Estimate the depth of your chest at home

The Haller Index is a simple ratio doctors use to describe how deep a pectus excavatum (sunken chest) is — the width of the chest divided by its depth at the deepest point. Because you can’t reach behind your own chest to measure that depth directly, this tool works it out in a doable way: measure your overall chest height, then subtract how deep the dip is. It is an educational estimate only, not a diagnosis — the true index is measured on a CT or MRI scan.

How to take your measurements

Chest cross-section showing width A, chest height C, and dip depth D measurements used for the Haller Index
  1. Lie flat on your back on a firm surface (floor or table), breathing gently and normally.
  2. Width (A): stand a rigid book or board upright against each side of the chest and measure the distance between them.
  3. Chest height (C): measure straight up from the surface to the top of the raised ridge beside the dip.
  4. Dip depth (D): rest a ruler flat across the two ridges and measure straight down to the deepest point of the dip.

Your depth at the deepest point is B = C − D, and the index is A ÷ B.

Enter your numbers

widest point across the chest
table up to the raised ridge
ruler across ridges, down to deepest
Please enter all three measurements as positive numbers. The dip depth must be less than the chest height, and the width must be greater than the remaining depth.
—
your estimated Haller Index (width ÷ depth, where depth = C − D)
≤ 2.5
typical
2.5 – 3.25
mild–moderate
> 3.25
severe

Because the Haller Index is a ratio, you get the same result whether you measure in centimeters or inches — just use the same unit for both.

Please read: This is an estimate only. The true Haller Index is measured inside the chest on a CT or MRI scan, so your home number may differ from a clinical one. The reference ranges above (typical ≤2.5, mild–moderate 2.5–3.25, severe >3.25) are general guides, not a diagnosis, and a number on its own does not decide whether any treatment is needed. Use this to notice changes over time and to help you talk with your doctor. If you have any concerns about your chest, breathing, or heart, please speak with a healthcare professional. Whether surgery is appropriate — and whether it is covered by OHIP — is assessed by Dr. Irshad using your CT imaging at a consultation.

Think you may benefit from an assessment?

A referral from your family doctor or specialist is all that’s needed to be seen by Dr. Irshad, who reviews your imaging and discusses your options.

Referral information →
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