SPPB Calculator — Short Physical Performance Battery (0–12)
Score the Short Physical Performance Battery: balance stands, 4-meter (or 3-meter) gait speed and five chair stands, 0–4 each for a total of 0–12, with the level of limitation.
How it works
Balance: side-by-side 10 s = 1, semi-tandem 10 s = 1, tandem 10 s = 2 (3–9.99 s = 1). Gait 4 m: < 4.82 s = 4, 4.82–6.20 = 3, 6.21–8.70 = 2, > 8.70 = 1, unable = 0 (3 m: < 3.62 = 4, 3.62–4.65 = 3, 4.66–6.52 = 2, > 6.52 = 1). Five chair stands: ≤ 11.19 s = 4, 11.20–13.69 = 3, 13.70–16.69 = 2, 16.70–59.9 = 1, unable or ≥ 60 s = 0. Total 0–12.
The Short Physical Performance Battery was developed by Guralnik and colleagues for the US National Institute on Aging (Journal of Gerontology 1994). It combines three objective lower-limb tests — standing balance, usual gait speed and repeated chair stands — and predicted later disability, nursing-home admission and death in the EPESE cohort. It is used in geriatrics, cardiology and sarcopenia assessment; the European sarcopenia consensus (EWGSOP2) treats an SPPB of 8 or less as poor physical performance. Balance tests are hierarchical: if a stand is not held for 10 seconds, the harder ones are not attempted.
Worked example
An older adult holds the side-by-side, semi-tandem and tandem stands for 10 seconds each (balance 4), walks 4 meters in 4.5 seconds (under 4.82: 4 points) and completes five chair stands in 12.5 seconds (3 points): SPPB = 4 + 4 + 3 = 11 / 12 — minimal limitation; gait speed 0.89 m/s.
Sources: Guralnik JM et al. A short physical performance battery assessing lower extremity function. J Gerontol 1994;49:M85–94 · National Institute on Aging — Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) protocol
Frequently asked questions
What is a normal SPPB score?
10–12 indicates minimal limitation. Scores of 9 or less are associated with higher risk of disability, hospitalization and death, and 8 or less is a criterion for poor physical performance in sarcopenia.
Can I use a 3-meter course?
Yes. The NIA protocol provides separate cut-offs for a 3-meter walk when there is not enough space for 4 meters; choose 3 meters above and the calculator uses those cut-offs.
What if the person cannot do the semi-tandem stand?
The balance tests are done in order. If a stand is not held for 10 seconds, the harder stands are not attempted and score 0, and you move on to the gait test.
Can arms be used in the chair stand test?
No. Arms are folded across the chest. If the person cannot rise without using the arms, the chair stand component scores 0.
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 and cut-offs come from the cited validation studies and may not apply to every patient; follow local protocols.