Efficacy Score Methodology
Every compound protocol on ChemGrade carries an Efficacy Score from 1 to 10. This page documents exactly how those scores are calculated — no black boxes.
What the Score Measures
The ChemGrade Efficacy Score reflects the strength of clinical evidence that a specific compound, at a specific dosage, produces a measurable effect on a specific goal.
A score of 10/10 does not mean a compound is "perfect" — it means the evidence base is exceptionally strong and consistent. A score of 5/10 means the compound shows promise but evidence is limited, mixed, or based primarily on animal models. A score below 4/10 means we do not currently list that protocol.
Scoring Rubric
Maximum possible score: 10 points across 5 criteria
01 — Study Type
MAX 3 ptsRandomized Controlled Trial (RCT) in humans: 3 pts. Observational/cohort study in humans: 2 pts. Animal model only: 1 pt. In vitro (cell culture) only: 0 pts. We do not list protocols with zero human data.
02 — Effect Size
MAX 2 ptsLarge effect size (Cohen's d > 0.8 or clinically meaningful outcome): 2 pts. Moderate effect (d 0.5–0.8): 1 pt. Small effect (d < 0.5): 0.5 pts. Effect size is evaluated relative to the goal category — a 10% testosterone increase is large; a 1% improvement is not.
03 — Replication
MAX 2 ptsEffect replicated in 3+ independent studies: 2 pts. Replicated in 2 studies: 1.5 pts. Single well-powered study: 1 pt. Single small pilot study: 0.5 pts. Replication by independent research groups is weighted higher than replication by the same lab.
04 — Bioavailability of Listed Form
MAX 2 ptsWe only score the specific form of a compound we list (e.g., Magnesium Glycinate, not Magnesium Oxide). High bioavailability chelated/soluble form with clinical data: 2 pts. Moderate bioavailability with some data: 1 pt. Poor bioavailability form: 0.5 pts. This criterion ensures a 9/10 score reflects a compound that will actually work, not just that a study used an intravenous form unavailable to consumers.
05 — Safety Profile
MAX 1 ptExcellent long-term safety record, no serious adverse events in literature: 1 pt. Moderate safety with documented risks requiring cycling or monitoring: 0.5 pts. Significant safety concerns (we typically do not list these): 0 pts. Note: Safety score affects the listing threshold, not just the score. Compounds with high safety risks are either excluded or listed with prominent warnings.
Score Reference Guide
Limitations & Disclosures
Individual variation: Efficacy scores reflect population-level clinical outcomes. Individual response varies significantly based on genetics, baseline levels, diet, sleep quality, and concurrent medications. A 9/10 compound may produce minimal effect in a specific individual.
Publication bias: Clinical literature skews toward positive results. We attempt to identify and weight null studies when available, but publication bias is a structural limitation of evidence-based scoring.
Affiliate relationships: ChemGrade earns commission on purchases made through vendor links. These relationships do not influence efficacy scores. The same compound would receive the same score regardless of whether an affiliate link exists.
Score updates: Scores are reviewed when major new studies are published. The date shown on each protocol page reflects the most recent editorial review.
Published: 2025
Next review: Q3 2025