What is a good Bishop Score for induction?

A score of 8 or higher indicates a favorable cervix with a high probability of successful induction, similar to spontaneous labor outcomes. Scores of 6–7 are borderline, and scores of 5 or below suggest an unfavorable cervix where cervical ripening agents are usually recommended before induction.

What does effacement mean in the Bishop Score?

Effacement refers to the thinning of the cervix, expressed as a percentage. 0% means the cervix has not thinned at all, while 100% means it is fully effaced (paper-thin). Higher effacement scores contribute positively to the total Bishop Score.

What is fetal station?

Station describes the position of the fetal presenting part relative to the maternal ischial spines. In the original Bishop score, -3 scores 0; -2 scores 1; -1 or 0 scores 2; and +1 or +2 scores 3.

Is this calculator a substitute for clinical judgment?

No. This tool is for educational and reference purposes only. Clinical decisions regarding labor induction must be made by qualified healthcare providers who consider the full clinical picture, including gestational age, fetal well-being, and maternal indications.

What is the maximum Bishop Score?

The maximum Bishop Score is 13. Dilation contributes up to 3 points, effacement up to 3 points, station up to 3 points, consistency up to 2 points, and position up to 2 points.

What cervical consistency values are used?

Consistency is rated as Firm (0 points), Medium/Average (1 point), or Soft (2 points). A soft cervix is easier to dilate and contributes more favorably to the score.

Bishop Score Calculator

Enter the 5 cervical exam parameters to instantly calculate the Bishop Score and assess readiness for labor induction.

Cervical Exam Parameters

Dilation (cm)

Effacement (%)

Fetal Station

Consistency

Cervical Position

Select values for all parameters on the left,
then click Calculate.

Summary

The Bishop Score is a pre-labor cervical assessment system developed by Dr. Edward Bishop in 1964. It evaluates five cervical and fetal factors — dilation, effacement, station, consistency, and position — to estimate the likelihood of a successful labor induction. Scores range from 0 to 13; higher scores indicate a more favorable (ripe) cervix.

How it works

Select the current value for each of the 5 cervical exam parameters.
Each parameter is assigned a sub-score of 0, 1, 2, or 3 based on clinical criteria.
The calculator sums all five sub-scores to produce the total Bishop Score (0–13).
The result section shows the score, a favorability rating, and clinical guidance.
Scores of 8 or higher generally indicate a favorable cervix and high induction success likelihood.

Use cases

Obstetric providers assessing cervical readiness before planning labor induction.
Medical students and residents learning cervical exam scoring criteria.
Nursing staff verifying Bishop Score calculations at the bedside.
Educational purposes to understand how each parameter affects the total score.
Quick reference to determine whether cervical ripening agents may be needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-09-30 · Reviewed by Nham Vu