Norton Scale Calculator — Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment
Score the Norton pressure ulcer risk scale — physical and mental condition, activity, mobility and incontinence — 5 to 20, where 14 or less means at risk, with low to very high bands.
How it works
Norton = physical condition + mental condition + activity + mobility + incontinence, each 1 (worst) to 4 (best); total 5–20. ≤ 14 = at risk. Common bands: 15–20 low · 13–14 medium · 10–12 high · 5–9 very high risk.
The Norton Scale (Norton, McLaren and Exton-Smith, 1962) was the first pressure ulcer risk assessment tool, developed in older hospital patients. Each of five factors is scored from 1 to 4, and a total of 14 or less identifies a person at risk who needs a prevention plan — repositioning, a pressure-redistributing surface, skin and continence care and nutrition. The low-to-very-high bands are widely used in nursing practice. Like the Braden Scale, it supports but does not replace nursing judgement and skin inspection.
Worked example
A post-operative patient is in fair general condition (3), alert (4), walks with help (3), has very limited mobility in bed (2) and is usually incontinent of urine (2): Norton = 3 + 4 + 3 + 2 + 2 = 14 / 20 — at risk, medium risk.
Sources: NICE CG179 — Pressure ulcers: prevention and management
Frequently asked questions
What Norton score means at risk?
A total of 14 or less means the person is at risk of pressure ulcers. Many units also call 10–12 high risk and 9 or less very high risk.
Norton or Braden — which is better?
Both have similar accuracy. The Braden Scale (6–23) adds nutrition, moisture and friction and is more common in North America; the Norton Scale is simpler and still widely used in Europe and Latin America.
How often should the Norton Scale be repeated?
On admission, after any significant change in condition, and regularly — commonly daily in hospital or weekly in long-term care, according to local policy.
Related calculators
Clinical decision tool for education and for use by trained clinicians alongside clinical judgement — not a diagnosis and not a substitute for medical assessment. Scores validated in specific populations may not apply to every patient.