FRAX Fracture Risk Calculator

The FRAX Fracture Risk Calculator estimates your 10-year probability of major osteoporotic fracture and hip fracture based on age, BMI, and clinical risk factors. This tool helps adults and healthcare providers assess bone health risks to make informed treatment decisions. Whether you are monitoring bone density, evaluating steroid side effects, or planning osteoporosis prevention, this calculator provides a clear risk probability.

Enter your age in years (40-90)
Enter your weight in kilograms
Enter your height in centimeters
Have you had a fracture after age 50?
Has either of your parents had a hip fracture?
Do you currently smoke tobacco?
Are you currently taking glucocorticoids?
Have you been screen ford with rheumatoid arthritis?
Do you have a condition associated with secondary osteoporosis?
Do you consume 3 or more units of alcohol per day?
Enter your femoral neck BMD in g/cm² (if available)

This tool is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, screening assessment, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.

How This Calculator Works

  1. Personal Profile: Input your age, gender, weight, and height to calculate BMI.
  2. Risk Factors: Select all relevant clinical indicators like smoking or previous fractures.
  3. BMD (Optional): Enter your femoral neck bone mineral density for higher statistical association.
  4. Risk Assessment: The tool uses world-standard algorithms to estimate your 10-year risk.

How 10-Year Fracture Probability Is Calculated

10-year fracture probability represents the likelihood of breaking a major bone, such as the spine, hip, or wrist, within the next decade. This calculation utilizes the WHO FRAX algorithm, a validated tool that integrates clinical risk factors with age and sex to determine risk.

Calculation Steps

  1. Determine Body Mass Index (BMI) using your weight and height.
  2. Input specific clinical risk factors like previous fractures or smoking status.
  3. Adjust the base risk using weighted coefficients derived from large population studies.
  4. Combine these values to generate a final percentage for major osteoporotic and hip fractures.

This method provides a standardized assessment that helps identify who might benefit from bone-strengthening treatments.

Classification T-Score Range Bone Health Status
Normal -1.0 or higher Healthy bone density
Osteopenia Between -1.0 and -2.5 Low bone mass, monitor closely
Osteoporosis -2.5 or lower Higher statistical association of fracture, treatment likely

Standard bone density classifications based on T-score values from DEXA scans.

What Your 10-Year Fracture Probability Means

Your result is a percentage that quantifies your specific statistical association with suffering a bone break in the next ten years. Understanding this number provides information to help and your doctor decide if lifestyle changes or medication are necessary to protect your bones.

Risk Category 10-Year Major Fracture Risk 10-Year Hip Fracture Risk Action
Lower statistical association Less than 10% Less than 3% Focus on diet, exercise, and maintaining bone density.
Higher statistical association Greater than 20% Greater than 3% Consult a qualified healthcare professional about medication to prevent fractures.

Important: Including your femoral neck BMD (bone mineral density) significantly improves the accuracy of your risk assessment if available.

This calculator is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, screening assessment, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Because bone health changes over time, one may consider re-assess your fracture risk every 1 to 2 years or whenever your health status changes significantly.

References

  • World Health Organization (WHO) - Fracture Risk Assessment Tool
  • International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF)
  • Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF)

Frequently Asked Questions

A T-score compares your bone density to that of a healthy young adult of your same gender. A score of 0 means your density is equal to the norm. Negative numbers indicate lower density and potential risk for fractures.

For most people at risk, an assessment every 1-2 years is appropriate. However, if you start a new medication (like steroids) or experience a fall or fracture, you should re-evaluate your risk immediately.

The FRAX tool is validated for adults aged 40 to 90. For younger individuals, other clinical tools or bone density tests are used, as the mathematical models for 10-year probability are different for younger populations.

Calculation logic verified using publicly available standards.

View our Accuracy & Reliability Framework →