Caprini VTE Risk Score Calculator
The Caprini score estimates venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk by summing points from many risk factors, each weighted 1, 2, 3 or 5 points. It is most often used to guide prophylaxis in surgical patients. Because the factor list is long, this calculator lets you enter how many of your applicable factors fall into each weight group; it multiplies and sums them into a total and risk band. Count factors using a complete Caprini list. The result is an educational risk stratification, not a diagnosis, and prophylaxis decisions must be made by a clinician considering bleeding risk.
Caprini scoring
Total = 1*(n1) + 2*(n2) + 3*(n3) + 5*(n5)
n1, n2, n3, n5 = counts of factors of each weight
Bands: 0 very low; 1 to 2 low; 3 to 4 moderate; 5+ high
Total is unitless points
Each Caprini risk factor has a fixed weight of 1, 2, 3 or 5 points. The total is the weighted sum, which maps to a risk band used to guide prophylaxis.
Example point weights
- 1 point: age 41 to 60, minor surgery, swollen legs, obesity.
- 2 points: age 61 to 74, major surgery, laparoscopy over 45 minutes, central line.
- 3 points: age 75 or older, prior VTE, family history of VTE, thrombophilia.
- 5 points: stroke within a month, elective arthroplasty, hip or pelvis fracture, spinal cord injury.
- Use a complete Caprini list to count factors accurately.
Caprini score: frequently asked questions
What is the Caprini score?
The Caprini score is a venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk assessment that sums points from many risk factors, each weighted 1, 2, 3 or 5 points. The total places a patient in a risk band that guides prophylaxis decisions, mainly in surgical patients.
How are the points weighted?
Each risk factor carries a fixed weight. Examples: minor factors such as age 41 to 60 or minor surgery score 1 point; age 61 to 74 or laparoscopic surgery over 45 minutes score 2; age 75 or older or a history of VTE score 3; and stroke, elective arthroplasty or hip fracture score 5.
How is the total interpreted?
Commonly used bands are: 0 very low, 1 to 2 low, 3 to 4 moderate, and 5 or more high risk. Exact prophylaxis recommendations depend on the protocol in use and the patient's bleeding risk.
How does this calculator collect factors?
You enter how many of your applicable risk factors fall into each weight group (1, 2, 3 and 5 points). The calculator multiplies and sums them. Use a full Caprini factor list to count factors accurately.
Is this a diagnosis?
No. The Caprini score is a risk-stratification aid. It does not diagnose a clot and does not by itself dictate treatment. This calculator is for education only and decisions belong with a clinician.
Official sources
- National Library of Medicine (NCBI): Caprini VTE risk assessment literature.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Venous thromboembolism information.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 17 June 2026. See our methodology.