This self-report instrument comprises 91 items organised into 12 primary scales, consisting of three eating-disorder-specific scales and nine general psychological scales that are highly relevant to, but not specific to, eating disorders. It also yields six composites: one that is eating-disorder-specific (eating-disorder risk) and five that are general integrative psychological constructs (ineffectiveness, interpersonal problems, affective problems, over-control, and general psychological maladjustment).

There is now also available a referral form, which is an abbreviated form of the EDI-3 and includes the three scales that comprise the eating disorder risk composite. This form can be used to determine whether an individual should be referred for a professional evaluation.