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Berg Balance Scale: 14 tasks to measure balance and fall risk

Score the 14 tasks of the Berg Balance Scale, each from 0 to 4, to assess balance in older adults and people with neurological conditions and estimate their fall risk.

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Berg Balance Scale score

49 / 56

45 to 56: low fall risk
Points lost
7

This calculator is for general information and education. It is not medical advice and does not replace the judgment of a doctor, nurse or pharmacist who knows the full clinical picture.

A standard balance test

The Berg Balance Scale was developed by Katherine Berg and colleagues in 1989 to measure balance in older adults. It is a performance test: the patient carries out 14 tasks drawn from daily life, and the examiner rates each from 0 (unable) to 4 (independent and safe), for a total out of 56. Physical therapists use it to estimate fall risk, set goals and track progress after a stroke or in Parkinson’s disease.

The 14 tasks

  1. Sitting to standing
  2. Standing unsupported for two minutes
  3. Sitting unsupported for two minutes
  4. Standing to sitting
  5. Transfers between two chairs
  6. Standing with eyes closed
  7. Standing with feet together
  8. Reaching forward with an outstretched arm
  9. Picking up an object from the floor
  10. Turning to look behind over each shoulder
  11. Turning a full circle
  12. Placing alternate feet on a step or stool
  13. Standing with one foot in front of the other
  14. Standing on one leg

Interpreting the score

Score Fall risk
0 – 20 High: usually needs a wheelchair
21 – 40 Medium: walks with assistance
41 – 56 Low: independent

Many studies also use a cut-off of 45: below it, older adults living at home are more likely to fall, and a walking aid or a balance program is often recommended.

Example

A patient who scores 4 on most tasks but loses points on standing with eyes closed, reaching forward, turning a full circle, placing feet on a step, tandem stance and standing on one leg reaches a total of 49. That is a low fall risk, with weak points in the dynamic and single-leg tasks that a targeted exercise program can address.

Practical tips

Use a stopwatch, a ruler, a chair with arms and one without, and a step or stool about 7 to 8 inches high. Demonstrate each task, allow the patient to choose the leg for one-leg items, and score the lowest category that applies. The test takes about 15 to 20 minutes. It has a ceiling effect in active people, who often score 56 even though they could still improve, so faster tests may suit them better.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Berg Balance Scale?

A test of 14 everyday balance tasks, from standing up from a chair to standing on one leg, each scored from 0 to 4. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes and is widely used by physiotherapists.

What do the scores mean?

41 to 56 indicates a low fall risk, 21 to 40 a medium risk and 0 to 20 a high risk. Many studies use a cut-off of 45: below it, older adults are more likely to fall.

What equipment is needed?

A stopwatch, a ruler, two chairs, one with and one without arms, a step or stool and an object to pick up from the floor.

How much change is meaningful?

In older adults, a change of about 4 to 7 points, depending on the starting level, is considered a real change rather than measurement error.

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Results are estimates provided for information purposes. They do not replace professional advice.

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