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Free Beighton Score Calculator

Score the standard 9-point Beighton Score for joint hypermobility.

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Computes the standard published Beighton Score for joint hypermobility (Beighton P, et al. 1973), a 9-point descriptive/observational scale based on 5 specific joint-flexibility tests (4 scored bilaterally, 1 scored once): little finger hyperextension, thumb-to-forearm apposition, elbow hyperextension, knee hyperextension, and forward trunk flexion with palms flat on the floor. A commonly cited cutoff of 4/9 or higher (some sources use 5/9 or 6/9, particularly for children) suggests generalized joint hypermobility. This is a descriptive/observational score, similar in nature to APGAR, not a weighted risk-prediction algorithm. For general reference and educational purposes only — not a diagnosis. Consult a doctor or physiotherapist for actual assessment of joint hypermobility.

How it works

Answer yes/no for each of the 9 Beighton items. The tool sums 1 point per positive item (max 9) and shows the commonly cited interpretation.

  1. Enter right little finger bends back past 90 degrees?.
  2. Enter left little finger bends back past 90 degrees?.
  3. Enter right thumb can touch the forearm?.
  4. Enter left thumb can touch the forearm?.
  5. Enter right elbow bends back past straight (>10 degrees)?.
  6. Enter left elbow bends back past straight (>10 degrees)?.
  7. Enter right knee bends back past straight (>10 degrees)?.
  8. Enter left knee bends back past straight (>10 degrees)?.
  9. Enter can place palms flat on the floor with knees straight?.
  10. Click Calculate to see your results.

Examples

All 9 items positive

Beighton Score = 9/9 — at or above every commonly cited hypermobility cutoff.

Who should use it

  • Joint hypermobility screening education.
  • Physiotherapy/sports medicine reference.

Industry applications

  • Physiotherapy reference
  • Rheumatology/sports medicine education

Advantages

  • Standard, widely-used published screening scale.
  • Simple, transparent point system.

Limitations

  • Cutoff varies by published source and age group.
  • A high score alone does not diagnose a hypermobility spectrum disorder.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Testing joints incorrectly (e.g. not applying gentle passive pressure correctly) — proper technique matters for accurate scoring.

Best practices

  • Have a trained clinician or physiotherapist perform the actual physical tests for accurate results.

Tips

  • The Beighton Score reflects current flexibility only — it can change over time and does not by itself diagnose Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome or Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder, which require additional clinical criteria.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, with no signup and no limit on how many calculations you run.
Published criteria vary: some use 4/9 or higher (classic adult cutoff), others use 5/9 or 6/9 (some pediatric criteria) — this reflects genuine variation in the published literature, not an error.
No — the Beighton Score is a descriptive screening observation, not a diagnosis of any hypermobility spectrum disorder. Consult a doctor or physiotherapist for actual clinical assessment.

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