What is a Beighton score?

The Beighton score is a 9-point scale used to assess generalised joint hypermobility. It scores five manoeuvres: bending the little finger back beyond 90 degrees (1 point per side), bringing the thumb to touch the forearm (1 point per side), elbow hyperextension beyond 10 degrees (1 point per side), knee hyperextension beyond 10 degrees (1 point per side), and placing the palms flat on the floor with straight knees (1 point). It is a screening measure for hypermobility, not a diagnosis of any condition.

What Beighton score indicates hypermobility?

The cut-off for generalised joint hypermobility is age-dependent: a score of 5 or more in adults, 6 or more in children and adolescents, and 4 or more in adults over 50. Meeting the cut-off suggests generalised joint hypermobility but does not by itself diagnose hypermobile EDS or hypermobility spectrum disorder — the Beighton score is one component of the 2017 international diagnostic criteria and should be interpreted by a clinician.

Tools

Beighton Score

9-point self-assessment for generalised joint hypermobility

This is not a diagnostic tool. The Beighton score identifies generalised joint hypermobility — it does not by itself diagnose hypermobile EDS, hypermobility spectrum disorder, or any condition. It is one part of a wider clinical assessment. A score below the threshold does not rule out a hypermobility-related condition, and historical hypermobility (joints that used to bend further) can still count under the full 2017 criteria. Use this to inform a conversation with your doctor.

What the Beighton score measures

The Beighton score is the standard 9-point scale for generalised joint hypermobility — joints that move beyond the usual range. It checks five manoeuvres: four are scored on both sides of the body (1 point per side) and one is scored once, giving a total out of 9.

The cut-off that suggests generalised joint hypermobility depends on your age, because joints naturally stiffen over time: ≥6 for children and adolescents, ≥5 for adults, and ≥4 for adults over 50. The Beighton score is one component of the 2017 international criteria for hypermobile EDS, and is also used when assessing hypermobility spectrum disorders.

How to complete it

The assessment takes 3–5 minutes. Each manoeuvre has an illustration showing the position that scores a point.
Move each joint passively and gently — use your other hand to move the finger or thumb rather than forcing it. Do not force any joint, and stop if anything hurts.
The elbow, knee, and palms-to-floor items are easiest to judge side-on. Have someone check, or photograph yourself from the side.

Your age

The cut-off for generalised joint hypermobility is age-dependent, so the same score means different things at different ages. Select your age group so the correct threshold is applied.

Under 18 — threshold: score of 6 or more 18–50 — threshold: score of 5 or more Over 50 — threshold: score of 4 or more

Manoeuvre 1 of 5

Little finger extension

The little finger bends back beyond 90° to the back of the hand.

Rest your hand palm-down on a flat surface. With your other hand, gently bend your little finger back towards you. It scores a point if it passes beyond 90° — that is, beyond pointing straight up.

Left little finger — does it bend back beyond 90°?

Yes No

Right little finger — does it bend back beyond 90°?

Yes No

Score so far: 0 / 9

Manoeuvre 2 of 5

Thumb to forearm

With the wrist bent, the thumb touches the inner (flexor) side of the forearm.

Bend your wrist so your fingers point down, then use your other hand to gently press your thumb towards the inner side of your forearm. It scores a point if the thumb touches the forearm. Do not force it.

Left thumb — does it touch your left forearm?

Yes No

Right thumb — does it touch your right forearm?

Yes No

Score so far: 0 / 9

Manoeuvre 3 of 5

Elbow hyperextension

Seen from the side, the elbow extends beyond straight by more than 10°.

Hold your arm out straight with the palm facing up. It scores a point if the elbow extends beyond straight by more than 10° — the arm looks slightly bent the “wrong way”. This is easiest to judge side-on: have someone check, or photograph yourself from the side.

Left elbow — does it extend beyond 10° past straight?

Yes No

Right elbow — does it extend beyond 10° past straight?

Yes No

Score so far: 0 / 9

Manoeuvre 4 of 5

Knee hyperextension

Seen from the side, the knee bows backwards beyond straight by more than 10°.

Stand with your legs straight, viewed from the side. It scores a point if the knee extends beyond straight by more than 10° — the leg bows backwards. This is easiest to judge side-on: have someone check, or photograph yourself from the side.

Left knee — does it extend beyond 10° past straight?

Yes No

Right knee — does it extend beyond 10° past straight?

Yes No

Score so far: 0 / 9

Manoeuvre 5 of 5

Palms flat on the floor

Bending forward with knees fully straight, both palms rest flat on the floor.

Stand with your feet together and knees completely straight, then bend forward and try to place your palms flat on the floor. It scores a point only if the whole palm (not just fingertips) reaches the floor with straight knees. Easiest to judge side-on — have someone check that your knees stay straight.

Trunk flexion — can you place both palms flat on the floor with straight knees?

Yes No

Score so far: 0 / 9

Your results

Reference thresholds

Generalised joint hypermobility is suggested by a Beighton score of ≥5 in adults, ≥6 in children and adolescents, and ≥4 in adults over 50
The Beighton score is one component of the 2017 international criteria for hypermobile EDS; meeting the score alone is not a diagnosis
The maximum score is 9: little fingers (2), thumbs to forearm (2), elbows (2), knees (2), and palms to floor (1)

This is not a diagnostic tool. The Beighton score identifies generalised joint hypermobility — it does not by itself diagnose hypermobile EDS, hypermobility spectrum disorder, or any condition. It is one part of a wider clinical assessment. A score below the threshold does not rule out a hypermobility-related condition, and historical hypermobility (joints that used to bend further) can still count under the full 2017 criteria. Use this to inform a conversation with your doctor.