Waterlow Score Calculator (UK) – Pressure Ulcer Risk Tool
A) Build / Weight for Height (BMI)
Unsure of BMI category? Check here:
B) Skin Type / Visual Risk Areas
Select all that apply.C) Mobility
D) Continence
E) Sex
F) Age Group
G) Tissue Malnutrition
Select all that apply.H) Neurological Deficit
Select all that apply. Max 6 points total.I) Major Surgery / Trauma
Scores may be discounted after 48h if recovering normally.J) Medication
Max 4 points total if any selected.K) Malnutrition Screening Tool (MST)
1. Has the person lost weight recently without trying?
2. Is the person eating poorly because of a decreased appetite?
Includes Malnutrition, Neurological, Surgery/Trauma, and Medication.
Complete the details above, then click Calculate to view the result.
This calculator is for information only and does not provide a diagnosis. Use it alongside clinical judgement and local policies.
For high or very high scores, speak to a nurse, tissue viability team, or qualified healthcare professional.
Top Factors
- E) Sex +1
- F) Age Group +1
About the Waterlow Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment
This Waterlow score calculator helps estimate pressure ulcer (pressure injury) risk by adding points for factors such as build/BMI, skin condition, mobility, continence, age, and additional special risks. It is designed for UK carers and clinicians as a quick reference and should be used alongside clinical judgement and local policies.
Clinical note: The Waterlow Score is a screening aid, not a diagnosis. It should be considered with regular skin checks, professional judgement, and the care setting’s local policy.
How to use this calculator
- Select the best match for each section (for some sections, you can tick more than one option).
- Use “Special Risks (Advanced)” if relevant (e.g., malnutrition, neurological deficit, surgery/trauma, medication).
- Click “Calculate” after completing the details to show the total score and risk band.
- After the result appears, use Copy or Print to save a summary for care notes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Waterlow Score?
The Waterlow Score is a commonly used pressure ulcer risk assessment that assigns points to risk factors such as build/BMI, skin condition, mobility, continence, age, nutrition, and clinical risks.
What do the Waterlow risk bands mean?
In many UK settings, scores below 10 are considered not at risk, 10–14 at risk, 15–19 high risk, and 20+ very high risk. Always follow local policy and professional guidance.
Is this tool a diagnosis?
No. This calculator is for information only and does not provide a diagnosis. Use it alongside clinical judgement and local policies.
Who uses a Waterlow assessment in the UK?
It is often used by nurses, carers, and tissue viability teams in hospitals, community care, and care homes, and it can also help family carers understand risk discussions.
How often should a Waterlow assessment be completed?
Frequency depends on the setting and the person’s condition. Many services reassess regularly and whenever clinical status changes, such as after surgery or if mobility, continence, nutrition, or skin condition changes.
When should the Waterlow Score be reviewed?
Review the score when there is a clear change in clinical status, care needs, skin condition, mobility, continence, or nutrition, and follow the person’s local care plan.
What prevention steps are commonly considered for higher risk?
General measures may include regular repositioning, pressure-relieving surfaces or mattresses, skin inspection, moisture management, and addressing nutrition and hydration, as appropriate and per professional advice.
Can I share or print the result?
Yes. The widget includes Copy Summary and Print/PDF options, plus a share link that pre-fills your selections.
Why does the score change when I add special risks?
Special risks (e.g., malnutrition indicators, neurological deficit, major surgery/trauma, medication) can add points because they may increase vulnerability to pressure injury. Use clinical judgement to interpret.
Guidance note: NICE recommends using validated pressure ulcer risk assessment scales, including the Waterlow score, to support clinical judgement, and reassessing risk when clinical status changes. View NICE pressure ulcer guidance.