Apgar Score Calculator
Calculate a newborn Apgar score from the five clinical signs at birth.
Apgar Score
Interpretation
The Apgar score is a quick assessment of a newborn's condition, usually recorded at 1 and 5 minutes after birth. It is a screening tool to guide care, not a prediction of long-term health. Always rely on the judgment of the attending medical team.
Understanding the Apgar Score
The Apgar score is a simple, rapid method for assessing the health of a newborn immediately after birth. Introduced in 1952 by anesthesiologist Dr. Virginia Apgar, it evaluates five clinical signs, each scored from 0 to 2, and sums them into a total ranging from 0 to 10. The assessment is typically performed at 1 minute and again at 5 minutes after birth, with further checks if the score remains low.
The Five Signs
| Sign | What it measures |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Skin color |
| Pulse | Heart rate |
| Grimace | Reflex irritability |
| Activity | Muscle tone |
| Respiration | Breathing effort |
How the Score Is Interpreted
The Formula
The total Apgar score is simply the sum of the five individual signs, each scored 0, 1, or 2.
Total = Appearance + Pulse + Grimace + Activity + Respiration
Score Categories
- 7 to 10 — Normal: The newborn is in good condition and usually needs only routine care.
- 4 to 6 — Moderately abnormal: The newborn may need some assistance, such as stimulation or supplemental oxygen.
- 0 to 3 — Critically low: The newborn needs immediate resuscitation and intensive medical attention.
References
- American Academy of Pediatrics & American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. "The Apgar Score." AAP/ACOG Policy Statement
- Apgar, V. (1953). "A proposal for a new method of evaluation of the newborn infant." Current Researches in Anesthesia and Analgesia.
Note: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical assessment. The Apgar score should be recorded and interpreted by trained medical staff at the time of birth. Consult a healthcare professional regarding any concerns about a newborn's health.