The Braden scale is the most widely used pressure injury risk tool in hospitals and care homes. Lower scores mean higher risk; scores of 18 or below usually trigger prevention measures such as repositioning and pressure-relieving mattresses.
How to use the Braden Scale Calculator
- Sensory perception
- Moisture
- Activity
- Mobility
- Nutrition
- Friction and shear
Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.
How it works
Each answer carries the points shown in the published score. The calculator adds them up and maps the total to the published interpretation.
Scoring table
| Item | Answers and points |
|---|---|
| Sensory perception | Completely limited = 1; Very limited = 2; Slightly limited = 3; No impairment = 4 |
| Moisture | Constantly moist = 1; Very moist = 2; Occasionally moist = 3; Rarely moist = 4 |
| Activity | Bedfast = 1; Chairfast = 2; Walks occasionally = 3; Walks frequently = 4 |
| Mobility | Completely immobile = 1; Very limited = 2; Slightly limited = 3; No limitation = 4 |
| Nutrition | Very poor = 1; Probably inadequate = 2; Adequate = 3; Excellent = 4 |
| Friction and shear | Problem = 1; Potential problem = 2; No apparent problem = 3 |
Tips
- Assess on a typical day, not during an acute illness, unless the tool asks otherwise.
- Involve family or carers who know the person’s usual abilities.
- Repeat assessments regularly to track change.
- Use results to plan support, not to label people.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Scoring what the person could do rather than what they actually do.
- Ignoring hearing or vision problems during cognitive tests.
- Using a single score to decide care without a full assessment.
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Sensory perception | Choose one: Completely limited, Very limited, Slightly limited, No impairment |
| Moisture | Choose one: Constantly moist, Very moist, Occasionally moist, Rarely moist |
| Activity | Choose one: Bedfast, Chairfast, Walks occasionally, Walks frequently |
| Mobility | Choose one: Completely immobile, Very limited, Slightly limited, No limitation |
| Nutrition | Choose one: Very poor, Probably inadequate, Adequate, Excellent |
| Friction and shear | Choose one: Problem, Potential problem, No apparent problem |
Health note: this calculator is for education and screening only and is not a diagnosis or treatment advice. Discuss your results with a qualified clinician.
Formula
Score = sum of the points for each item
Worked example
Inputs — Sensory perception: Slightly limited; Moisture: Occasionally moist; Activity: Chairfast; Mobility: Slightly limited; Nutrition: Adequate; Friction and shear: Potential problem.
Results — Braden score = 16 / 23; Pressure ulcer risk = Mild risk.
Key terms
- Pressure ulcer
- Skin and tissue damage from prolonged pressure.
Frequently asked questions
What Braden score is high risk?
12 or less; 9 or less is very high risk.
How can pressure ulcers be prevented?
Regular repositioning, pressure-relieving surfaces, skin care, nutrition and managing moisture.
How often should it be scored?
On admission and regularly afterwards, especially when the condition changes.