Bishop score (cervical score)

The Bishop score summarises the vaginal examination of the cervix in five features. The calculator shows the score only (0–13).

⚠︎ Learning tool for medical education – not for use in patients or for treatment decisions.

Calculator

Dilation
Effacement
Station of the presenting part
Consistency
Position
–of 13

🔒 Calculated only in your browser – nothing is stored or transmitted.

The five features

Dilation, effacement and station of the presenting part are scored 0–3 points, consistency and position of the cervix 0–2 points. The total ranges from 0 to 13; higher values describe a more advanced cervical ripening.

Origin and scope

Edward H. Bishop published the score in 1964 in the context of elective induction of labour. Thresholds and clinical consequences from the original paper are deliberately not shown on this learning page. Modified versions are common, for example using cervical length in centimetres instead of effacement in percent.

FAQ

What is the maximum Bishop score?▾

13 points: 3 each for dilation, effacement and station, and 2 each for consistency and position.

What does station −3 to +2 mean?▾

Station gives in centimetres how far the presenting part lies above (−) or below (+) the level of the ischial spines.

References

  1. Bishop EH. Pelvic scoring for elective induction. Obstet Gynecol 1964;24:266–8. · PubMed

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Intended purpose: learning tool for medical education only. Not intended for use in patients or for diagnostic or treatment decisions; not a medical device. Calculations follow the cited original publications; no guarantee of completeness or correctness. Last updated: 10/2026 · Dr. Pascal Bafteh