Berg Balance Scale (BBS)
Berg Balance Scale (Berg 1989): fourteen 0–4 balance tasks summed to a 0–56 total; lower totals indicate greater fall risk.
Open the calculator → Runs in your browser. Data leaves only if you deliberately send a problem report from the interactive tool.
Example
- 1. Sitting to standing
- 3
- 2. Standing unsupported
- 3
- 3. Sitting unsupported
- 3
- 4. Standing to sitting
- 3
- 5. Transfers
- 3
- 6. Standing with eyes closed
- 3
- 7. Standing with feet together
- 3
- 8. Reaching forward with outstretched arm
- 3
- 9. Retrieving object from floor
- 3
- 10. Turning to look behind
- 3
The other 4 values
- 11. Turning 360 degrees
- 3
- 12. Placing alternate foot on step
- 3
- 13. Standing with one foot in front
- 3
- 14. Standing on one leg
- 3
Result: Berg Balance 42/56 — walking independently. Below 45 — increased fall risk.
The tool opens with these values already filled in. Replace them with your own.
What the result means
- Bands
- 0–20 wheelchair-bound / high fall risk, 21–40 walking with assistance, 41–56 independent; below 45 flags increased fall risk.
What you enter
- 1. Sitting to standing (0–4)
- 2. Standing unsupported (0–4)
- 3. Sitting unsupported (0–4)
- 4. Standing to sitting (0–4)
- 5. Transfers (0–4)
- 6. Standing with eyes closed (0–4)
- 7. Standing with feet together (0–4)
- 8. Reaching forward with outstretched arm (0–4)
- 9. Retrieving object from floor (0–4)
- 10. Turning to look behind (0–4)
The other 4 fields
- 11. Turning 360 degrees (0–4)
- 12. Placing alternate foot on step (0–4)
- 13. Standing with one foot in front (0–4)
- 14. Standing on one leg (0–4)
How this is calculated
- Scoring
- 14 performance tasks each 0 (unable) to 4 (independent and safe), summed 0–56.
Berg K, Wood-Dauphinee S, Williams JI, Maki B. Measuring balance in the elderly: validation of an instrument. Can J Public Health. 1992;83 Suppl 2:S7-11. Read the source ↗
A reference and educational tool. Not medical, legal, or financial advice, and not a substitute for clinician judgment.