Score the five Bishop components for induction readiness — dilation, effacement, station, consistency and position — for a total out of 13.
Result
How to use this tool
Closed 0, 1–2 cm 1, 3–4 cm 2, 5+ cm 3.
Effacement 0–30% to 80%+, station −3 to +1/+2.
Firm to soft, posterior to anterior.
Read the total against the favourable / intermediate / unfavourable guide.
Formula & worked example
Dilation 3 cm (2), effacement 60% (2), station 0 (2), soft cervix (2) and anterior position (2) gives 10/13, favourable.
Limitations — read this before you rely on it
Educational aid only, using the published Bishop components and bands. It is not medical advice, not a substitute for clinical examination, and must not be used to decide, seek or delay induction. Pregnancy concerns need prompt professional care.
Frequently asked questions
A 0–13 score of cervical readiness for labour induction, from dilation, effacement, station, consistency and position, assessed on examination.
8 or more is generally favourable for induction; below 6 is unfavourable, and 6–7 is intermediate. Thresholds and practice vary.
No — the components need a clinical cervical examination. This tool is for understanding a score a clinician has given, or for learning the system.
Not necessarily. It means induction is less likely to succeed quickly and cervical ripening may be offered first; many other factors matter.
Dr Edward Bishop, who published the scoring system in 1964 to predict induction success in multiparous women.