Apgar Score Calculator
Calculate Apgar score for newborn assessment at 1 and 5 minutes after birth.
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How to use this calculator
Five criteria are each scored 0, 1, or 2: Appearance (skin colour), Pulse (heart rate), Grimace (reflex irritability), Activity (muscle tone), and Respiration. The total score ranges from 0 to 10.
- 1
Assess the newborn at 1 minute after birth (and again at 5 minutes).
- 2
Select the score (0, 1, or 2) for each of the five criteria.
- 3
The total Apgar score is calculated instantly.
- 4
Repeat the assessment at 5 minutes and document both scores.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Apgar score measure?
The Apgar score is a quick assessment of a newborn's health immediately after birth. It evaluates skin colour (Appearance), heart rate (Pulse), response to stimulation (Grimace), muscle tone (Activity), and breathing (Respiration).
When is the Apgar score assessed?
Traditionally at 1 minute and 5 minutes after birth. If the 5-minute score is below 7, additional assessments are performed at 10, 15, and 20 minutes.
What is a good Apgar score?
Scores of 7–10 are considered normal and indicate a healthy newborn. Scores of 4–6 suggest moderate depression and need for close monitoring. Scores of 0–3 indicate severe depression requiring immediate resuscitation.
Does a low Apgar score predict long-term outcomes?
A single low Apgar score does not reliably predict long-term neurological outcomes. Persistent low scores (below 5 at 5 minutes) are more clinically significant than a low 1-minute score, which can reflect normal birth adaptation.
Apgar Score Calculator
History and Purpose of the Apgar Score
Developed by anaesthesiologist Dr Virginia Apgar in 1952, the Apgar score provides a rapid, standardised method for evaluating a newborn's condition at delivery. The name is also a backronym: Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respiration. Its simplicity has made it the global standard for initial neonatal assessment in virtually every delivery room.
What the Score Guides Clinically
A score of 7 or above at 1 minute indicates the baby is adapting well to life outside the womb. Scores below 7 guide clinicians on the urgency and type of resuscitation needed — from simple stimulation and oxygen supplementation to full cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The 5-minute score is considered more predictive of outcomes than the 1-minute score.
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Results are estimates for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional financial, medical, legal, or technical advice. Read full disclaimer →