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Repetitive Strain Risk (RULA) Calculator

Work out repetitive strain risk (rula) instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Repetitive Strain Risk (RULA) Calculator

RULA assesses upper limb posture in two groups: arm and wrist as score A, and neck, trunk and legs as score B, each uplifted for static muscle use and applied force. The combined grand score from one to seven maps to four action levels, from acceptable to requiring immediate change.

Formulas

Score groups

Score A from upper arm, forearm and wrist plus muscle and force; score B from neck, trunk and legs plus muscle and force

Action levels

1-2 acceptable, 3-4 investigate, 5-6 change soon, 7 change immediately

Worked example

With the default values below, Repetitive Strain Risk (RULA) Calculator returns RULA grand score of 6. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Upper arm posture scoreaccepts 1–6
3
Wrist and forearm scoreaccepts 1–4
2
Neck, trunk and leg scoreaccepts 1–6
3
Muscle use and force scoreaccepts 0–3
2

Results

RULA grand score
6
Action level
Action level 3 — investigation and change required soon
Arm and wrist score
6
Neck, trunk and leg score
5

Step by step

  1. 1Values used
  2. 2Score groups
  3. 3Action levels
  4. 4RULA grand score= 6
  5. 5Action level= Action level 3 — investigation and change required soon
  6. 6Arm and wrist score= 6
  7. 7Neck, trunk and leg score= 5

Assumptions and limits

  • The result is derived only from the 4 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
  • In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax, fees or charges or compounding frequency into account.
  • Figures are rounded for display to whole numbers, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.
  • Preliminary estimate only. Ergonomic postural assessment should be carried out by a trained assessor using the full RULA worksheet and observation over a representative work cycle.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Preliminary estimate only. Ergonomic postural assessment should be carried out by a trained assessor using the full RULA worksheet and observation over a representative work cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the Repetitive Strain Risk (RULA) figure worked out?

Score A from upper arm, forearm and wrist plus muscle and force; score B from neck, trunk and legs plus muscle and force. RULA assesses upper limb posture in two groups: arm and wrist as score A, and neck, trunk and legs as score B, each uplifted for static muscle use and applied force.

Does RULA cover the whole body?

No, it is focused on the upper limbs and is best for seated work such as computer use or assembly. REBA extends the method to whole body postures including legs and load handling.

What values do I need to enter?

This calculator takes 4 inputs: Upper arm posture score, Wrist and forearm score, Neck, trunk and leg score, Muscle use and force score. The pre-filled defaults are a realistic worked example — replace them with your own site or project figures.

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