Berg Balance Scale (BBS) — Calculator, Norms, and Clinical Use
Here we go—Treadwell, DPT back with another resource for clinicians, students, and patients!
The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) is one of the most widely used outcome measures in physical therapy, especially for older adults and individuals at risk of falling. It’s simple, reliable, and highly predictive of functional independence.
To make your job easier, this page includes:
Interactive BBS Calculator
Normative values by age
Interpretation cutoffs
Clinical notes on reliability and use
The BBS consists of 14 items, each scored on a scale from 0 to 4:
0 = unable to perform
4 = normal performance
Tasks include standing from sitting, reaching forward, turning, standing with eyes closed, and more.
Total score = 0–56. Higher scores = better balance.
Normative Values
Research-based average scores by age group (healthy adults):
60–69 years: ~55/56
70–79 years: ~54/56
80–89 years: ~52/56
90+ years: ~50/56
Source: Steffen TM, Hacker TA, Mollinger L. Age- and gender-related test performance in community-dwelling elderly people: Six-Minute Walk Test, Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up & Go Test, and gait speeds. Phys Ther. 2002;82(2):128–137.
Looking to improve balance, reduce fall risk, or recover confidence in your mobility?
I offer virtual and in-person physical therapy consults designed to build strength, restore function, and keep you moving safely.
