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Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test Calculator

Q: How is the Timed Up and Go test done?

Mark a line 3 metres (10 feet) from a standard chair with arms. Start seated with the back against the chair. On “go”, stand up, walk to the line at a normal pace, turn, walk back and sit down; the time stops when the person is seated. A practice trial first is recommended.

Q: What is a normal TUG time?

Healthy older adults usually finish in under 10 seconds; averages are about 8 s in the 60s, 9 s in the 70s and 11 s over 80. Times of 12 seconds or more suggest an increased risk of falling.

Q: Can I use a walking aid?

Yes — use the aid the person normally uses and note it with the result, so that repeated tests are comparable. The fall-risk cut-off still applies.

Q: What should I do if the time is 12 seconds or more?

Treat it as a prompt for a fuller fall-risk assessment by a health professional — checking strength, balance, medicines, vision, feet and home hazards — and consider a balance and strength programme.

Interpret a Timed Up and Go (TUG) test time: mobility level (Podsiadlo & Richardson), the 12-second CDC STEADI fall-risk cut-off and the average time for your age group.

TUG time

Age

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How it works

TUG = seconds to stand from a chair, walk 3 m (10 ft) at a normal pace, turn, walk back and sit down · < 10 s freely mobile · 10–19 s mostly independent · 20–29 s variable mobility · ≥ 30 s impaired · ≥ 12 s = increased fall risk (CDC STEADI)

Podsiadlo and Richardson (1991) introduced the Timed Up and Go as a quick test of basic functional mobility in older adults: it combines rising from a chair, walking, turning and sitting down. The person wears their usual footwear and may use their usual walking aid. The CDC STEADI programme uses 12 seconds or more as a sign of increased fall risk, and a meta-analysis by Bohannon (2006) gives average times of 8.1 s at ages 60–69, 9.2 s at 70–79 and 11.3 s at 80–99.

Worked example

A 72-year-old completes the TUG in 9.5 s: under 10 s means freely mobile, and under 12 s means the fall-risk screen is negative. The average for ages 70–79 is 9.2 s, so the time is 0.3 s slower than average.

Sources: Podsiadlo D, Richardson S (1991) The timed “Up & Go”: a test of basic functional mobility for frail elderly persons. J Am Geriatr Soc 39:142–148 · Bohannon RW (2006) Reference values for the timed up and go test: a descriptive meta-analysis. J Geriatr Phys Ther 29:64–68 · CDC STEADI — Assessment: Timed Up and Go

Frequently asked questions

How is the Timed Up and Go test done?

Mark a line 3 metres (10 feet) from a standard chair with arms. Start seated with the back against the chair. On “go”, stand up, walk to the line at a normal pace, turn, walk back and sit down; the time stops when the person is seated. A practice trial first is recommended.

What is a normal TUG time?

Healthy older adults usually finish in under 10 seconds; averages are about 8 s in the 60s, 9 s in the 70s and 11 s over 80. Times of 12 seconds or more suggest an increased risk of falling.

Can I use a walking aid?

Yes — use the aid the person normally uses and note it with the result, so that repeated tests are comparable. The fall-risk cut-off still applies.

What should I do if the time is 12 seconds or more?

Treat it as a prompt for a fuller fall-risk assessment by a health professional — checking strength, balance, medicines, vision, feet and home hazards — and consider a balance and strength programme.

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This calculator gives an estimate for general fitness and education only. It is not medical advice — prediction equations can differ from measured values, so talk to a doctor or qualified exercise professional before changing your training, especially if you have a heart condition or take medication.