TUG Fall Risk Calculator
Fall risk band and next steps from timed up and go seconds.
What it does
The timed up and go test screens fall risk in seconds. Stand from a chair, walk ten feet, turn, return, and sit while timed.
The tool above bands the time. Fourteen seconds reads At risk past the 12 s cutoff, with a doctor chat at the next visit. Under twelve reads low.
Twelve seconds is the screening line from CDC guidance. Twenty adds some risk language, thirty reads high, each with stronger follow up.
Testing stays standard. Same chair height, same ten feet, no armrest launching, with the faster of two tries counting.
Strength answers slow times. Balance and leg programs cut seconds and falls together.
How to use
- Enter test seconds: 14 suits the default.
- Read risk band first.
- Read cutoff next.
- Read advice and repeat twice.
- Bring slow times to the doctor.
Formula
- seconds
- Timed test seconds.
Bands follow CDC STEADI guidance with a 12 second screening cutoff. Seconds are universal, so no unit toggle is needed.
Worked example
Example: 14 second test
Defaults: 14 seconds. These are also the default values, so the page opens on this answer.
- Test: stand, walk 10 ft, turn, return, sit.
- Time: 14 seconds.
- Cutoff: 12 s and up flags risk.
- Band: 14 sits at risk.
- Tool shows At risk, 12 s risk cutoff, Talk to doctor at next visit.
Reference table
| Time | Band | Advice |
|---|---|---|
| 9 s | Low risk | Keep active |
| 14 s | At risk | Doctor next visit |
| 25 s | Some risk | Balance program |
| 35 s | High risk | Physical therapy talk |
Limits
- Screening only, not medical advice.
- Pain and dizziness shift times.
- Chair heights change results.
- Falls need review whatever the time.
Common mistakes
- One rushed try only.
- Armrest launching starts.
- Different chairs each test.
- Ignoring dizziness during.
- Skipping strength follow up.
Try it yourself
Quick checks. Answers sit tucked under each question.
9 seconds?
9 s sits under 12, so Low risk with keep active.
25 seconds?
25 s beats 20, so Some risk with balance and strength program.
Questions
What does 14 s mean?
Walk the course timed. Here 14 s beats the 12 s cutoff, so At risk.
Risk cutoff?
Twelve seconds and up flags risk. Under 12 reads low risk.
Higher bands?
Twenty and up reads some risk, thirty and up high risk, each with stronger advice.
How do I test right?
Rise, walk, turn, and sit without armrests pushing. Same chair each time.
Retake the test?
Yes. Shoes, pain days, and dizziness shift times, so repeat twice.
Does this clear safety?
No. Falls need medical review whatever the seconds.