Beighton Score Calculator
Calculate the Beighton Score to assess joint hypermobility syndrome using the 9-point clinical scoring system.
Formula
Score = sum of 9 binary criteria (0 or 1 each)
- A score of ≥4/9 indicates hypermobility.
- Bilateral criteria (1-8) each count 1 point; spinal criterion (9) counts 1 point.
- Beighton Score is used as part of the Brighton Criteria for hypermobility syndrome diagnosis.
Patient with bilateral pinky and thumb hypermobility
Inputs
- Left pinky > 90°: 1
- Right pinky > 90°: 1
- Left thumb to forearm: 1
- Right thumb to forearm: 1
- Left elbow hyperextension > 10°: 0
- Right elbow hyperextension > 10°: 0
- Left knee hyperextension > 10°: 0
- Right knee hyperextension > 10°: 0
- Hands flat on floor, knees straight: 1
Score = 5/9 → Hypermobile.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Beighton Score?
A 9-point scale that assesses joint hypermobility in clinical settings.
What score indicates hypermobility?
≥4 out of 9 is the standard cut-off for hypermobility (some guidelines use ≥5 for older adults).
Is hypermobility the same as EDS?
No — hypermobility syndrome and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) are related but distinct diagnoses.
Should children use the same threshold?
Children naturally tend to have higher scores; the threshold for children is sometimes raised to ≥6.