About the Braden Scale
The Braden Scale for Predicting Pressure Sore Risk is a validated clinical instrument, developed by Barbara Braden and Nancy Bergstrom in 1987, used to estimate a patient's risk of developing a pressure injury (also called a pressure ulcer or bedsore). It rates six subscales — sensory perception, moisture, activity, mobility, nutrition, and friction/shear — and adds them into a single total score. This calculator is intended for educational and informational use; it does not replace a trained clinician's assessment or facility protocol.
The six subscales and how they're scored
Five subscales — sensory perception, moisture, activity, mobility, and nutrition — are each rated on a 1-to-4 scale, where 1 describes the most impaired or highest-risk state and 4 describes normal, low-risk function. The sixth subscale, friction and shear, is rated on a 1-to-3 scale for the same reason. Adding all six ratings gives a Total Braden Score = Sensory + Moisture + Activity + Mobility + Nutrition + Friction/Shear, which can range from a minimum of 6 (highest risk) to a maximum of 23 (lowest risk).
Interpreting the total score
The standard, widely cited risk bands are: 19-23 = no significant risk, 15-18 = mild risk, 13-14 = moderate risk, 10-12 = high risk, and 9 or below = very high risk of developing a pressure injury. Lower total scores call for more frequent skin checks, repositioning, and pressure-redistributing support surfaces, per facility protocol. The subscale that scores lowest often points to the most actionable area — for example, a low mobility or activity score suggests a repositioning schedule, while a low moisture score suggests better incontinence or perspiration management.
Important disclaimer
This tool provides an educational estimate only and does not constitute medical advice. It cannot replace hands-on skin assessment, clinical judgment, or your facility's pressure-injury prevention protocol. Always have a qualified healthcare provider evaluate and document Braden Scale scores and any resulting care plan.