APGAR Score Calculator
This calculator is not medical advice. APGAR scoring should be performed by a qualified healthcare professional.
Five Signs, Checked Twice, in the First Minutes of Life
The APGAR score is one of the oldest and most widely used newborn assessments in medicine, developed by anesthesiologist Virginia Apgar in 1952. It scores five simple, observable signs at one minute and five minutes after birth, giving delivery room staff a fast, standardized way to decide whether a newborn needs immediate assistance. The name doubles as an acronym for what it measures: Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respiration.
The Formula
APGAR Score = Appearance + Pulse + Grimace + Activity + Respiration
(each scored 0, 1, or 2 — total out of 10)
(each scored 0, 1, or 2 — total out of 10)
The Five Components
| Sign | 0 points | 1 point | 2 points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance (color) | Blue/pale all over | Body pink, extremities blue | Completely pink |
| Pulse (heart rate) | Absent | Below 100 bpm | Above 100 bpm |
| Grimace (reflex irritability) | No response | Grimace/weak cry | Vigorous cry/cough |
| Activity (muscle tone) | Limp | Some flexion | Active motion |
| Respiration (breathing effort) | Absent | Slow, irregular | Good, crying |
Interpreting the Total
| Total score | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| 7–10 | Normal — baby is in good health |
| 4–6 | Moderately abnormal — baby may need some assistance |
| 0–3 | Low — baby needs immediate medical attention |
Note: This is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. APGAR scoring should be performed by a qualified healthcare professional at the time of birth.
Where This Gets Used
- Delivery room assessment — standard practice at one and five minutes after every birth, in hospitals worldwide.
- Deciding on immediate intervention — a low score at one minute prompts resuscitation steps well before the five-minute score is taken.
- Understanding a birth record — parents reviewing a birth summary can use this table to understand what an APGAR score of, say, 8/9 actually reflects.
How to Use This Calculator
- Select a score of 0, 1, or 2 for Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration.
- Select Calculate to see the total score out of 10 and its interpretation.
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Track age precisely in the weeks after birth with the Baby Age in Months Calculator, or check the Due Date Calculator for pregnancy timeline planning.