What is a favorable Bishop score?

A score of 8 or higher indicates a favorable cervix. Most guidelines consider induction likely to succeed without additional cervical ripening at this threshold. Scores below 6 generally suggest an unfavorable cervix where ripening agents may be needed first.

What does each Bishop score parameter measure?

Dilation measures how open the cervical os is (closed = 0, 1–2 cm = 1, 3–4 cm = 2, and ≥5 cm = 3). Effacement measures thinning (0–30% = 0, 80%+ = 3). Station measures fetal head descent (-3 = 0, +1/+2 = 3). Consistency ranges from firm (0) to soft (2). Position ranges from posterior (0) to anterior (2).

What is the maximum Bishop score?

The maximum total score is 13. This represents a fully dilated (≥5 cm), fully effaced (≥80%), low-stationed (+1/+2), soft, anteriorly positioned cervix.

Does a low Bishop score mean induction will fail?

Not necessarily. A low score indicates the cervix is not yet ripe, but clinicians can use cervical ripening agents to improve the score before starting oxytocin. The Bishop score guides management decisions, not outcome predictions alone.

Is this tool a substitute for clinical judgment?

No. This calculator is for educational and reference purposes. Clinical decisions about labor induction should always be made by a qualified healthcare provider who considers the full clinical picture.

Bishop Score Induction Calculator

Select five cervical exam parameters to calculate the Bishop score and assess labor induction readiness.

Cervical Exam Parameters

Cervical Dilation (cm)

Effacement (%)

Fetal Station (relative to ischial spines)

Consistency

Cervical Position

Select all five parameters and click Calculate to see the Bishop score.

Summary

The Bishop score is a standardized pre-labor cervical assessment system developed by Dr. Edward Bishop in 1964. It evaluates five parameters — cervical dilation, effacement, station, consistency, and position — to estimate the likelihood of successful labor induction. Scores range from 0 to 13; higher scores indicate a more favorable (ripe) cervix and a greater probability that induction will succeed without additional cervical ripening agents.

How it works

Select the current value for cervical dilation (cm).
Select effacement percentage — how much the cervix has thinned.
Select fetal station relative to the ischial spines (-3 to +2).
Select cervical consistency (firm, medium, or soft).
Select cervical position (posterior, mid, or anterior).
The calculator sums all five sub-scores (0–13) and displays a favorability rating with clinical guidance.

Use cases

Obstetric providers assessing cervical readiness before scheduling labor induction.
Medical students and residents learning how each parameter contributes to the total score.
Nursing staff verifying Bishop score calculations at the bedside.
Determining whether cervical ripening agents (e.g., prostaglandins, Foley balloon) are indicated before oxytocin.
Comparing serial exams to track cervical change over time.
Educational reference for understanding the clinical criteria behind each sub-score.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-06-11 · Reviewed by Nham Vu