APGAR Score Calculator

Calculate newborn APGAR scores at 1, 5, and 10 minutes. Score appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration to assess newborn health and determine if neonatal resuscitation (NRP) is needed.

APGAR Score
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Interpretation —
Typical Action —
Extended More scenarios, charts & detailed breakdown ▾
1-Min APGAR
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Interpretation —
NRP Trigger —
Professional Full parameters & maximum detail ▾
weeks

Score

APGAR Score —
Interpretation —

Clinical Action

NRP Decision —

Context

Preterm Adjustment Note —
Cord pH Correlation —
Score Limitation —

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Score each of the 5 APGAR components (0, 1, or 2) based on observation at 1 minute after birth.
  2. The calculator sums the total and provides interpretation and NRP guidance.
  3. Use the 5-Minute tab at 5 minutes post-birth for the more predictive measurement.
  4. Use the 10-Minute tab if the 5-minute score was <7.
  5. Use the Professional tab to input gestational age and cord pH for full clinical context.

Formula

APGAR = Appearance + Pulse + Grimace + Activity + Respiration

Each component scored 0–2. Total range: 0–10.

Normal: 7–10 | Moderate distress: 4–6 | Severe distress: 0–3

Example

Example: Appearance=2, Pulse=2, Grimace=1, Activity=2, Respiration=2. Total = 9 — Normal. Routine newborn care appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • APGAR is a mnemonic for Appearance (skin color), Pulse (heart rate), Grimace (reflex irritability), Activity (muscle tone), and Respiration. Each component is scored 0–2 for a total of 0–10. It was developed by Dr. Virginia Apgar in 1952 to quickly evaluate newborn condition at delivery.
  • A score of 7–10 is considered normal and indicates the baby is in good condition. Scores of 4–6 indicate moderate distress requiring stimulation and possibly supplemental oxygen. Scores of 0–3 indicate severe distress requiring immediate neonatal resuscitation per NRP guidelines.
  • The 5-minute APGAR score is more predictive of neurological outcome than the 1-minute score. The 1-minute score guides immediate resuscitation decisions. If the 5-minute score is <7, a 10-minute score should be recorded.
  • A low APGAR score alone does not diagnose or predict cerebral palsy. Per AAP and ACOG, the APGAR score should not be used as evidence of asphyxia or predictor of neurological outcome in an individual infant. Cord blood pH and clinical context are more informative.
  • Preterm infants have physiologically lower muscle tone, weaker cry, and immature reflexes independent of any birth distress. APGAR scores in preterm infants should be interpreted with caution and should not withhold needed resuscitation.

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Sources & References (5) ▾
  1. The Apgar Score – AAP/ACOG Committee Opinion — AAP & ACOG Committee Opinion 2015 (Reaffirmed 2020)
  2. ACOG Committee Opinion 644 – The Apgar Score — ACOG 2015
  3. Apgar V. A proposal for a new method of evaluation of the newborn infant. Curr Res Anesth Analg. 1953;32:260-267 — Virginia Apgar 1953 (original paper)
  4. NIH NICHD Neonatal Research Network — NIH NICHD Neonatal Research Network
  5. Textbook of Neonatal Resuscitation (NRP), 8th edition — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) 2021