FLACC is a behavioural pain scale for patients who can't tell you how much they hurt. It scores five observations (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry and Consolability) from 0 to 2, for a total from 0 to 10.
It was developed in 1997 for postoperative pain in children aged 2 months to 7 years, and is also used for older children and adults who are non-verbal or cognitively impaired.
Zdrovia: https://www.zdrovia.ca/resources/flacc-pain-scale/
Behavioural Pain Scale
FLACC Pain Scale Calculator
Observe the patient for 1–5 minutes and score Face, Legs, Activity, Cry and Consolability from 0 to 2 each, for a total out of 10.
Total score
0 of 5 items scored
Score every item to see the result
Item breakdown
These results are estimates based on published clinical data and are for informational purposes only. They do not constitute medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment recommendation. Consult a licensed aesthetic practitioner before beginning any treatment. Individual results vary.
Zdrovia's smart blocks drop validated scales into the visit note, keep every item score, and graph the total across visits so the trend is visible at a glance. See how smart blocks work →
FLACC scoring table
| Category | 0 | 1 | 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Face | No particular expression or smile | Occasional grimace or frown, withdrawn | Frequent to constant quivering chin, clenched jaw |
| Legs | Normal position or relaxed | Uneasy, restless, tense | Kicking or legs drawn up |
| Activity | Lying quietly, moves easily | Squirming, shifting, tense | Arched, rigid or jerking |
| Cry | No cry | Moans or whimpers, occasional complaint | Crying steadily, screams or sobs |
| Consolability | Content, relaxed | Reassured by touch or talking, distractible | Difficult to console or comfort |
Total 0–10: 0 relaxed · 1–3 mild discomfort · 4–6 moderate pain · 7–10 severe discomfort or pain.
Score it straight into the chart
Zdrovia's smart blocks drop validated scales into the visit note, keep every item score, and graph the total across visits so the trend is visible at a glance.
How to use FLACC
Observe the patient for 1 to 5 minutes. If they're awake, look at the legs and body uncovered, reposition them or watch them move, and touch the body to assess tension. If asleep, observe for at least 5 minutes. Score each category, add them up, and reassess after any intervention to see whether it worked.
Limitations
Behaviour reflects distress from any cause, including fear, hunger and unfamiliar surroundings, so a high score is a prompt to look for pain, not proof of it. Ask parents or carers what is normal for the child; their knowledge improves the accuracy of the observation.
Patients who can rate: Pain scale 0–10 →
Other clinical assessment references