OBJECTIVES: The EQ-5D is a multiattribute health status measure that can be used to derive preferences-based index scores for HRQL assessment. The objective of the study was to elicit the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Time Trade-off (TTO) scores of minor (independent after stroke) and major (dependent after stroke) stroke survivors, from social tariffs obtained from general population samples. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 350 stroke survivors was conducted in Spain. They were stratified as minor and major stoke, depending if they required help from another person for everyday activities. The EQ-5D questionnaire was administered to stroke survivors. Responses to the questionnaire were converted in single scores along a continuum extending from death (0.0) to full health (1.0). RESULTS: The VAS and the TTO scores varied considerably across minor and major stroke survivors. The minor and major stroke survivor, mean VAS scores were 0.71 (0.23) and 0.33 (0.27) respectively and mean for TTO scores were 0.73 (0.28) and 0.21 (0.43) respectively. Minor and major stroke survivors were a significant predictor of VAS and TTO scores. CONCLUSIONS: Minor and major stroke survivors had a substantial influence on VAS and TTO scores, as measured by the EQ-5D. Patients with major stroke had much lower scores. Our data support the EuroQol as a useful measure of health status after stroke. Its simplicity is a definite advantage, because many stroke survivors find more complex instruments difficult to complete without help.