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Berg Balance Scale Calculator

Calculate the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) total score from 14 balance task items to assess fall risk in older adults.

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Step 1 of 5

How to Use This Calculator
  1. Enter Sitting to Standing, Standing Unsupported, and Sitting Unsupported.
  2. Set Standing to Sitting, Transfers, and Standing Eyes Closed.
  3. Adjust Standing Feet Together, Reaching Forward as needed.
  4. Review Total BBS Score (/ 56) and Fall Risk ((1=Low, 2=Moderate, 3=High)).
  5. Use Wheelchair Consideration ((0=No, 1=Yes, score <45)) to inform your decision.

What each input means

Sitting to Standing
0 = Needs assist, 1 = Several attempts, 2 = Uses hands, 3 = Independently with hands, 4 = Safely without hands.
Standing Unsupported
0 = Unable, 1 = Several trials 30s, 2 = 30s unsupported, 3 = 2 min supervised, 4 = 2 min safely.
Sitting Unsupported
0 = Unable 10s, 1 = 10s, 2 = 30s, 3 = 2 min supervised, 4 = 2 min safely.
Standing to Sitting
0 = Needs assist, 1 = Sits independently but uncontrolled, 2 = Uses back of legs, 3 = Uses hands, 4 = Safely with minimal hands.
Transfers
0 = Needs two assists, 1 = Needs one assist, 2 = Verbal cues, 3 = Minor hands, 4 = Safely with minor hands.
Standing Eyes Closed
0 = Needs help, 1 = Unable 3s, 2 = 3s, 3 = 10s supervised, 4 = 10s safely.
Standing Feet Together
0 = Needs help, 1 = Needs help 15s, 2 = Feet together 30s, 3 = 1 min supervised, 4 = 1 min independently.
Reaching Forward
0 = Loses balance, 1 = Reaches but needs supervision, 2 = Reaches >2 in, 3 = Reaches >5 in, 4 = Reaches >10 in.
Pick Up Object from Floor
0 = Unable, 1 = Unable but reaches 1-2 in, 2 = Unable but reaches within 2 in, 3 = Picks up with supervision, 4 = Easily and safely.
Turning to Look Behind
0 = Needs assist, 1 = Needs supervision, 2 = Turns sideways only, 3 = Looks behind one side, 4 = Looks behind both sides.
Turn 360 Degrees
0 = Needs assist, 1 = Needs close supervision, 2 = 360 slowly, 3 = 360 safely one side <4s, 4 = Both sides <4s.
Stool Stepping
0 = Needs assist, 1 = 2+ steps with minimal assist, 2 = 4 steps with supervision, 3 = 8 steps independently 20s, 4 = 8 steps safely 20s.
Standing One Foot in Front
0 = Loses balance stepping, 1 = Needs help to step 15s, 2 = Small step 30s, 3 = Foot ahead independently 30s, 4 = Tandem 30s.
Standing on One Leg
0 = Unable, 1 = Tries to lift 3s, 2 = Lifts independently 3s, 3 = Lifts independently 5-10s, 4 = Lifts independently >10s.

How this is calculated

Worked example, using the default values

  1. Identify Input Parameters
    4 parameters
    Sitting to Standing = 4, Standing Unsupported = 4, Sitting Unsupported = 4, Standing to Sitting = 4 = 14 input(s) provided
  2. Calculate Total BBS Score
    Total BBS Score
    50 = 50
  3. Calculate Fall Risk
    Fall Risk
    1 = 1
  4. Calculate Wheelchair Consideration
    Wheelchair Consideration
    0 = 0

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