All 14 tasks with their 0–4 scoring, a live total out of 56, and a printable score sheet. For clinicians, trained helpers and caregivers working with a therapist.
Score all 14 tasks from 0 to 4. The total out of 56 updates as you go. When you’re done, print it or save it as a PDF. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
14 tasks · about 15–20 minutes · no special training required.
This is a screening, not a diagnosis. It can point out a possible fall risk, but it can’t tell you for sure whether you will fall, or why. Only a licensed health care provider who examines you can do that. If you are worried about your balance, talk with your doctor or a physical therapist.
These cutoffs come from the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Rehabilitation Measures Database (studies of older adults). They are the main result this tool shows.
| Total | What the research says |
|---|---|
| 56 | Functional balance (Berg et al., 1992) |
| 45–55 | Not flagged by the under-45 cutoff. Any lost points are still worth discussing with a physical therapist. |
| Under 45 | May be at greater risk of falling (Berg et al., 1992) |
| Under 40 | Very high fall risk: linked with an almost 100% fall risk (Shumway-Cook et al., 1997) |
Fall history matters. In community-dwelling older adults, a fall in the past year plus a score under 51, or no fall and a score under 42, predicted falls (Shumway-Cook et al., 1997; 91% sensitivity, 82% specificity). Answer the optional fall question above to apply this rule.
The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab notes that no common interpretation of Berg scores exists, so a physical therapist should read the score together with the rest of the exam.
Many clinicians also use the traditional Berg bands to show a patient’s risk improving over time. The tool shows the band as a second line under the main result. When the two seem to disagree (for example, 41–44 is in the low-risk band but under the research cutoff of 45), the research cutoff above is the headline.
| Total | Clinician risk band |
|---|---|
| 41–56 | Low fall-risk band |
| 21–40 | Medium fall-risk band |
| 0–20 | High fall-risk band |
Traditional labels: 41–56 independent, 21–40 walking with assistance, 0–20 wheelchair. Meaningful change: moving up a band, or a change of at least the minimal detectable change (MDC), shows real improvement. In older adults the MDC is about 3 to 6 points depending on the starting score: 4.6 points (score 0–24), 6.3 (25–34), 4.9 (35–44), 3.3 (45–56) (Donoghue & Stokes, 2009, via the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab).
Primary source. Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Rehabilitation Measures Database, Berg Balance Scale: cutoffs (Berg et al., 1992: 56 functional balance, <45 greater fall risk; Shumway-Cook et al., 1997: fall history and <51 or no fall history and <42 predictive of falls, <40 almost 100% fall risk), MDC (Donoghue & Stokes, 2009), equipment, 14 items and 15–20 minute administration: sralab.org/rehabilitation-measures/berg-balance-scale. Item setup, instructions and 0–4 descriptors: the instrument SRALab links, the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy Core Measure form Berg Balance Scale (BBS) (reprinted with permission from author Katherine Berg): sralab.org (core-measure-berg-balance-scale PDF). Clinician risk bands (0–20 / 21–40 / 41–56): traditional Berg Balance Scale score-sheet bands, e.g. Brandeis University Roybal Center form: brandeis.edu/roybal/docs/Berg-Balance-Scale_Website.pdf.
Next step: A Holsman physical therapist can check your balance in person and build a plan to help you stay steady. Book a free balance screening or call 1-855-465-7626.
Monday, Nov 16 – Friday, Nov 20, 2026 at all 17 Holsman clinics
A physical therapist checks your balance with the Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go and 4-Stage Balance Test. It takes about 20 minutes. It’s free, and you don’t need insurance or a referral.
Our NO FALL PROTOCOL® assessment uses the same tests physical therapists use worldwide, and you leave with a plan. 17 clinics in North Jersey, the Bronx and Brooklyn, plus in-home visits.
The Berg Balance Scale is a 14-task balance test used by physical therapists. Each task, such as standing up from a chair, turning in a circle or standing on one leg, is scored from 0 to 4. The highest total is 56.
The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab lists these cutoffs for older adults: 56 indicates functional balance, and a score under 45 means a person may be at greater risk of falling (Berg et al., 1992). A score under 40 is linked with an almost 100% fall risk. With a fall in the past year, a score under 51 predicted falls; without one, a score under 42 did (Shumway-Cook et al., 1997).
They are the traditional Berg risk bands: 41 to 56 low, 21 to 40 medium and 0 to 20 high fall risk. Clinicians often use them to show progress over time. This tool shows the band as a second line for clinicians; the research cutoffs (such as under 45) are the main result.
In older adults the minimal detectable change is about 3 to 6 points depending on the starting score, often around 5 points (Donoghue & Stokes, 2009). Moving up a risk band also shows meaningful improvement.
It is designed to be given by a clinician. Some tasks can cause a loss of balance, so it should only be done with a trained helper standing right beside the person. For a simpler home check, try the 4-Stage Balance Test or the Fall Risk Self-Check.
About 15 to 20 minutes. You need a stopwatch, two standard-height chairs (one with and one without armrests), a 7¾ to 9 inch step or stool, a ruler and a slipper or shoe.
Yes. Use the Print / Save as PDF button. Nothing is stored on our website: the scores stay in your browser until you close the page.
Physical therapists at 17 locations across NJ & NYC. Same-week appointments available.
📞 Call 1-855-465-7626