FRAX is a fracture risk assessment tool developed by the WHO Collaborating Centre for Metabolic Bone Diseases at the University of Sheffield. It calculates a 10-year probability of major osteoporotic fractures (hip, spine, shoulder, or forearm) and hip fracture alone, based on clinical risk factors.

Is this calculator a replacement for medical advice?

No. This tool is for educational and informational purposes only. Results should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider who can order bone density testing and recommend treatment if needed.

Why does age matter so much?

Fracture risk increases substantially with age. After 65, bone loss accelerates, balance declines, and recovery from falls worsens, all of which raise both the probability and severity of fractures.

What counts as a prior fracture?

A fracture in adult life that occurred spontaneously or as a result of trauma that would not cause fracture in a healthy person (fragility fracture). Common examples include wrist, spine, hip, and shoulder fractures after minor falls.

What is a major osteoporotic fracture?

Major osteoporotic fractures include fractures of the spine (vertebral), hip, forearm (wrist/radius), and shoulder (proximal humerus). These are the four fracture sites most associated with osteoporosis.

When should I consider bone density testing (DXA)?

Many guidelines recommend DXA testing if your 10-year major fracture probability exceeds 10–15%, or your hip fracture risk exceeds 3%. However, thresholds vary by country and guideline — consult your doctor.

Educational Fracture Risk Estimator

Explore how age, sex, BMI, and common risk factors affect a non-clinical educational estimate. This is not an official FRAX result.

Patient Information

Age (years)

Biological Sex

Female Male

Height (cm)

Weight (kg)

Clinical Risk Factors

Previous fragility fracture Parent had hip fracture Current smoker Glucocorticoid (steroid) use Rheumatoid arthritis Alcohol 3+ units/day Secondary osteoporosis cause

Fill in the form and click Calculate Risk

Summary

This page uses a simplified, unvalidated logistic heuristic to illustrate how common factors can influence fracture risk. It does not use the official University of Sheffield FRAX engine, country-specific calibration, competing mortality, or BMD. Its percentages must not be treated as FRAX scores or used for diagnosis or treatment decisions.

How it works

Enter your age (40–90) and select your biological sex.
Input your height and weight so BMI can be calculated automatically.
Select any applicable clinical risk factors (prior fracture, parental hip fracture, smoking, steroids, rheumatoid arthritis, alcohol use).
Choose whether you have a secondary cause of osteoporosis.
Click "Calculate Risk" to see estimated 10-year fracture probabilities.
Review the risk category and discuss results with your healthcare provider.

Use cases

Learn which common factors are associated with higher fracture risk.
Evaluate how family history such as parental hip fracture impacts baseline probability.
Compare estimated risk before and after modifiable lifestyle changes like smoking cessation.
Explore the impact of secondary osteoporosis conditions and glucocorticoid therapy.
Understand how low body mass index or prior fragility fractures elevate fracture odds.
Prepare targeted questions about bone mineral density testing before visiting a physician.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-06-04 · Reviewed by Nham Vu