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.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 14 June 2026. See our methodology.