Beighton Score Calculator (joint hypermobility, 9 points)

Understanding the Beighton score calculator — concept and principle

This calculator adds up the Beighton score, a 9-point screen for generalised joint hypermobility, and compares it with the age-dependent cut-offs used in the 2017 international classification of the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes. Physiotherapists, doctors and people curious about their flexibility use it.

How it is calculated

One point for each of these on each side:

• Little finger bends back beyond 90°
• Thumb can be pressed onto the forearm
• Elbow straightens beyond 10°
• Knee straightens beyond 10°

Plus one point for placing both palms flat on the floor with knees straight. Total 0–9.

Cut-offs (2017): 6 or more before the end of puberty; 5 or more from puberty to age 50; 4 or more over 50.

The principle

Beighton and colleagues introduced the 9-point score in 1973 as a quick, standard way to examine joint laxity. Joint flexibility is greatest in childhood and declines with age, which is why the 2017 classification uses higher cut-offs for children and lower ones for people over 50. Hypermobility is common and usually harmless; many dancers and athletes have it. The Ehlers-Danlos syndromes require many further criteria and specialist assessment.

Worked example

Defaults: adult up to 50; both little fingers 1 + 1; thumbs 0 + 0; both elbows 1 + 1; knees 0 + 0; palms flat 1.

1. Score = 1 + 1 + 0 + 0 + 1 + 1 + 0 + 0 + 1 = 5.
2. Cut-off for this age group = 5.
3. Generalised joint hypermobility? Yes.

How to read the result

A score at or above the cut-off indicates generalised hypermobility, not a disease. If you also have frequent joint pain, dislocations, easy bruising or very stretchy skin, a doctor can assess whether further evaluation is needed. Strengthening exercises often help people with symptomatic hypermobility.

Common mistakes

• Forcing joints beyond their comfortable range.
• Measuring angles by eye when a goniometer is available.
• Using adult cut-offs for children.
• Assuming a high score means Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

Frequently asked questions

What is a normal Beighton score?

Below the age-group cut-off: under 5 for adults up to 50.

Is joint hypermobility a disease?

Usually not; it is common and often harmless.

Why do cut-offs depend on age?

Joints are more flexible in childhood and stiffen with age.

Sources: Beighton P, et al., Ann Rheum Dis 1973 (original 9-point score) · Malfait F, et al., "The 2017 international classification of the Ehlers–Danlos syndromes", Am J Med Genet C Semin Med Genet 2017