Beighton Score Calculator

Written by Great Medico

Updated September 25, 2026 •2 min read

Share Print Save

Being flexible is not the same thing as having a connective-tissue disorder. The Beighton score is a quick nine-point examination of generalized joint hypermobility, and this calculator simply totals the maneuvers you mark as present.

What this calculator does

The nine points come from left and right little-finger extension beyond 90°, thumb-to-forearm movement, elbow hyperextension beyond 10°, knee hyperextension beyond 10°, and one point for placing both palms flat on the floor with knees straight. Each positive maneuver contributes one point.

How to use it

Mark “Yes” only when the maneuver is actually demonstrated using the usual examination technique. Because several items depend on angle and positioning, self-assessment can be unreliable. If hypermobility is being evaluated clinically, a trained examiner is preferable.

How the calculation works

The calculation is the sum of nine yes/no items, so the possible total is 0–9. The current engine labels 5 or more as a common adult generalized-hypermobility cutoff and anything below 5 as below that cutoff. It does not adjust the threshold by age.

Example

With every maneuver set to “No,” the demonstration result is 0/9. If both little fingers, both elbows and the palms-to-floor maneuver were positive, the total would be 5/9 and the calculator would flag that generalized joint hypermobility may be present.

How to interpret the result

A high Beighton score describes joint mobility; it does not diagnose hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or another connective-tissue disorder. Current hEDS criteria use age-specific cutoffs and additional history and clinical criteria, so the meaning of a score depends on age and context.

Limitations and notes

The fixed ≥5 threshold in this calculator is a simplification. Published hEDS criteria use ≥6 for prepubertal children/adolescents, ≥5 from puberty through age 50, and ≥4 over age 50, with additional assessment when someone is one point below the cutoff. Previous injuries, surgery and age-related stiffness can also lower the observed score.