Bishop Score Calculator
Assess how favourable (“ripe”) the cervix is for induction of labour with the Bishop score. Five findings on vaginal examination — dilation, effacement, fetal station, cervical consistency and cervical position — each add points for a total of 0–13. A higher score means the cervix is more ready and induction is more likely to end in vaginal birth. Choose the finding for each item to get the score and its favourability band.
About the Bishop score
The Bishop score summarises cervical readiness before induction of labour, guiding whether cervical ripening is needed and how likely induction is to succeed. Source: Bishop EH, “Pelvic scoring for elective induction,” Obstetrics & Gynecology 1964;24:266–268.
How this is calculated
| Cervical finding | Points |
|---|---|
| Dilation (closed / 1–2 / 3–4 / ≥ 5 cm) | 0–3 |
| Effacement (0–30 / 40–50 / 60–70 / ≥ 80%) | 0–3 |
| Fetal station (−3 / −2 / −1 or 0 / +1 or +2) | 0–3 |
| Consistency (firm / medium / soft) | 0–2 |
| Position (posterior / mid / anterior) | 0–2 |
| Maximum | 13 |
Add the points for each of the five findings. Bands: ≥ 8 favourable (“ripe”) — induction success similar to spontaneous labour; 7 intermediate; ≤ 6 unfavourable (“unripe”) — cervical ripening often used first. Thresholds vary by guideline and parity. Source: Bishop EH, “Pelvic scoring for elective induction,” Obstetrics & Gynecology 1964;24:266–268.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Bishop score?
The Bishop score rates how ready the cervix is for labour, to help predict whether inducing labour will succeed. Five findings on vaginal examination are each scored and added: cervical dilation (0–3), effacement (0–3), fetal station (0–3), cervical consistency (0–2) and cervical position (0–2), for a total of 0–13. It was described by Edward Bishop in 1964.
What Bishop score is favourable?
A score of 8 or more is generally considered favourable (“ripe”): the chance of a vaginal delivery after induction is similar to spontaneous labour. A score of 6 or less is unfavourable (“unripe”), and cervical ripening — for example with prostaglandins or a mechanical balloon — is often used before or instead of oxytocin. A score of 7 sits in between. Thresholds vary a little between guidelines and by parity.
How is each component scored?
Dilation: closed 0, 1–2 cm 1, 3–4 cm 2, ≥ 5 cm 3. Effacement: 0–30% 0, 40–50% 1, 60–70% 2, ≥ 80% 3. Station (relative to the ischial spines): −3 gives 0, −2 gives 1, −1 or 0 gives 2, +1 or +2 gives 3. Consistency: firm 0, medium 1, soft 2. Position: posterior 0, mid 1, anterior 2. This calculator adds your selections into the 0–13 total.
Does the Bishop score account for parity?
The classic score does not, but induction tends to succeed at a lower Bishop score in women who have given birth before than in first pregnancies, so the same number can be read a little more optimistically in a multipara. Some services use a “simplified” Bishop score (dilation, effacement and station only) or add modifiers. This tool uses the original five-component score.
Who is the score for?
The Bishop score is used by clinicians when planning or timing induction of labour. It does not decide whether induction is appropriate — that depends on the reason for delivery, gestation and the whole clinical picture — only how ready the cervix is. This calculator is an educational reference, not medical advice.
This is a reference tool, not a diagnosis or medical advice. Results depend on the laboratory, assay and clinical context, and reference intervals vary between labs and by age and sex — always read your result against the range printed on your own report and discuss it with a qualified healthcare professional.
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