To develop a simple screening test for identifying Korean elderly at risk of undernutrition, the data of the health-related habits, dietary behaviors and nutrient intakes of the elderly in Chongju were analyzed. Two risk indicators, mean adequacy ratio (MAR) and the respondents` perceived health, were used to detect the undernutrition risk of the elderly. In order to select a list of questions for the test, factors affecting nutritional status and items investigated in previous nutrition surveys of the elderly were considered, and 21 questions were primarily selected. A multiple regression and stepwise regression analysis were used to take out the weak predictors of poor nutrient intake, and to give item weights to the strong predictors, and a list of 17 questions was finally adopted. To determine the cut-point of the test score, sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive values were calculated. The Simple Screening Test developed in this study is a brief, easily scored tool to predict poor nutrient intake and the perceived health status of the elderly. The test may provide a basis of further comprehensive nutritional assessment or intervention planning, if necessary, for those who are diagnosed as `high risk`. The test, however, needs to be independently validated by other groups of individuals. (Korean J Community Nutrition 5(3) : 475~483, 2000)