Depression is the second most common chronic disease in primary care. However, depression is commonly misdiagnosed, or though diagnosed properly, it is easy to treat inadequate doses or duration of antidepressants. It is of importance to diagnose and treat properly. Because of a wide range of symptoms and comorbidities, it is difficult to make a diagnosis of depression. Rating scales can be useful for the diagnosis of depression. It is feasible that the clinicians assess the patients with depression appropriately and determine therapeutic strategies by rating scales for depression. We have reviewed the purpose of rating scales for depression, including screening, ratings of symptoms, diagnosis, the progress, and the results of treatment. We also have described the actual condition of rating scales in Korea, which were performed by clinical research center for depression. It is restricted within marrow limits to select certain rating scale for depression and poorly known that some scales have been developed. Therefore, it is important task to announce the rating scales for depression so that the clinicians and researchers can be familiar with these scales. It is also important to develop a diversity of scales so that the clinicians can select appropriate scales.