Not for clinical use. This calculator supports clinical decisions (dosing, a risk score, an obstetric or laboratory assessment) and has not been reviewed by a named qualified clinician. It is published for reference and education only, it is excluded from search indexing for that reason, and it must not be used to guide the care of any patient. Verify every figure against the primary source and your own professional judgement.
Apgar Score Calculator
The Apgar score is a standardised assessment tool used immediately after birth to evaluate a newborn's health and the need for medical intervention. Assessed at 1 minute and 5 minutes after birth (and sometimes at 10 minutes), it evaluates five criteria on a 0-2 scale: skin colour (Appearance), heart rate (Pulse), reflex response (Grimace), muscle tone (Activity), and breathing effort (Respiration). A total score of 7-10 indicates a healthy newborn, 4-6 indicates mild to moderate depression, and 0-3 indicates severe depression requiring immediate resuscitation. This educational calculator helps parents, students, and healthcare trainees understand and apply the Apgar scoring system.
Apgar scoring system
Total Score = Appearance + Pulse + Grimace + Activity + Respiration
Each criterion scored 0, 1, or 2. Maximum score = 10.
7-10: Normal; 4-6: Moderate concern; 0-3: Severe - resuscitate
Apgar score: frequently asked questions
What is the Apgar score?
The Apgar score is a quick assessment of a newborn's condition at 1 and 5 minutes after birth. It was developed by Dr Virginia Apgar in 1952. The score evaluates five signs: Appearance (skin colour), Pulse (heart rate), Grimace (reflex irritability), Activity (muscle tone), and Respiration. Each receives 0, 1, or 2 points.
What does the Apgar score mean?
Total score: 7-10 = normal, baby is doing well. 4-6 = moderately abnormal, baby may need some help breathing or stimulation. 0-3 = critically low, baby needs immediate medical intervention. Scores are reassessed at 5 minutes (and every 5 minutes thereafter if below 7) to monitor response to resuscitation.
Who assigns the Apgar score?
The Apgar score is assigned by a medical professional (physician, midwife, or nurse) in the delivery room. It is a clinical assessment, not a self-reported tool. This calculator is educational - for expectant parents and students to understand the scoring system.
Does a low Apgar score predict long-term outcomes?
A low 1-minute Apgar reflects the newborn's condition at that moment and the need for resuscitation, but does not reliably predict long-term neurological outcomes. A low 5-minute score (below 7) is associated with increased risk of neurodevelopmental problems. A 10-minute score below 5 is more predictive of adverse outcomes.
What does the APGAR acronym stand for?
APGAR is a useful mnemonic: A = Appearance (skin colour), P = Pulse (heart rate), G = Grimace (reflex response), A = Activity (muscle tone), R = Respiration. The mnemonic was created retrospectively to match Dr Virginia Apgar's surname - she originally simply described the five criteria.
Official sources
- American Academy of Pediatrics: The Apgar Score (AAP Guideline).
- National Library of Medicine: Apgar Score - StatPearls.
This content is provided for educational purposes only and has not been reviewed by a qualified specialist in this field. See our methodology.