How it's calculated
Six subscales are each rated — five from 1 to 4, and Friction & Shear from 1 to 3 — and summed for a total ranging from 6 (highest risk) to 23 (lowest risk).
Risk categories
| Total score | Risk |
|---|---|
| ≤ 9 | Severe risk |
| 10-12 | High risk |
| 13-14 | Moderate risk |
| 15-18 | Mild risk |
| 19-23 | No significant risk |
Clinical use
- Used on admission and at regular intervals (per local policy — often each shift or daily) to identify patients at risk of developing pressure injuries.
- A total score of 18 or below is a commonly used threshold for initiating a formal pressure-injury prevention protocol.
- Lower subscale scores identify which specific risk factor (e.g. moisture, mobility) most needs addressing for that patient.
Frequently asked questions
What is the lowest and highest possible Braden score?
Scores range from 6 (highest risk of pressure injury) to 23 (lowest risk).
How often should the Braden Scale be reassessed?
Practice varies by institution — commonly on admission and then every shift to daily for at-risk patients, and whenever the patient's condition changes significantly. Follow your local wound-care protocol.
What score triggers pressure-ulcer prevention measures?
A total score of 18 or below is a widely used trigger point, though exact cutoffs and required interventions vary by institution — confirm against your local protocol.
References
- Bergstrom N, Braden BJ, Laguzza A, Holman V. The Braden Scale for Predicting Pressure Sore Risk. Nurs Res. 1987;36(4):205-210.
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Preventing Pressure Ulcers in Hospitals.