← All Calculators

Osteoporosis Risk Calculator

FRAX-inspired score for 10-year major osteoporotic fracture risk — based on age, sex, BMI, and 8 established clinical risk factors.

Clinical risk factors

If you have a bone density (DXA) result, the T-score refines the estimate.

FRAX score categories

CategoryPoints10-year risk (estimated)
Low0–3< 10 %
Moderate4–710–20 %
High≥ 8> 20 %

How it works

The calculator combines the main WHO FRAX risk factors into a simple point score: age (0–7 points), female sex (+1), low BMI (+1 to +2), previous fracture (+3), parent hip fracture (+2), smoking (+1), long-term glucocorticoids (+2), rheumatoid arthritis (+1), secondary osteoporosis (+1), and heavy alcohol use (+2). If a DXA result is available, the T-score adjusts the total (+1 for osteopenia, +3 for osteoporosis). A score ≥ 8 corresponds to the NOF/DVO treatment threshold.

This calculator provides a risk estimate — it does not replace an official FRAX report or a DXA bone density scan. Treatment decisions require a clinician's individualized assessment. With sudden back pain or height loss > 4 cm, seek imaging to rule out vertebral fracture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is osteoporosis?+
Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease with reduced bone mass and disrupted micro-architecture, leading to fragile bones — especially at the spine, hip, wrist, and humerus. Worldwide, about 200 million people are affected, mostly post-menopausal women.
What is FRAX?+
FRAX (Fracture Risk Assessment Tool) is a WHO-developed algorithm that estimates the 10-year probability of major osteoporotic fracture (hip, spine, forearm, shoulder). It uses 11 clinical risk factors and optionally bone density (DXA T-score).
When is treatment required?+
Most guidelines (NOF, DVO) recommend pharmacologic treatment when the 10-year major fracture risk exceeds 20 % — corresponding to a score of ≥ 8 in our calculator. A prior vertebral fracture or T-score ≤ -2.5 typically triggers immediate treatment.
Which medications are used?+
First-line: bisphosphonates (alendronate, risedronate, zoledronate) — effective and inexpensive. Alternatives: denosumab (antibody), teriparatide (PTH analog for severe cases), romosozumab. Always combined with vitamin D and calcium.
How can I prevent osteoporosis?+
Aim for 1.0–1.2 g/kg protein, 1000 mg calcium, and 800–1000 IU vitamin D daily; do regular weight-bearing and resistance exercise; avoid smoking; limit alcohol; address fall risk (vision, footwear, home environment). These steps demonstrably reduce fracture incidence.
What's the difference between T-score and Z-score?+
The T-score compares your bone density to that of a young healthy adult — it drives diagnosis and treatment decisions (≤ -2.5 = osteoporosis). The Z-score compares to age-matched peers and is mainly used in younger patients.

Related Calculators

Alcohol Unit Calculator

Calculate your weekly alcohol consumption in UK units, grams of pure alcohol, and health risk.

Anemia Risk Calculator

Estimate your anemia risk from hemoglobin level, sex, and clinical symptoms.

Anion Gap Calculator

Calculate anion gap and classify metabolic acidosis. Includes albumin correction.

Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) Calculator

Calculate left, right and overall ABI from four cuff pressures. Screen for peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Background

Osteoporosis Risk Calculator: Understand Your 10-Year FRAX Fracture Risk

9 min