APGAR Score Calculator
Score a newborn 0–10 across appearance, pulse, grimace, activity and respiration to gauge condition at 1 and 5 minutes after birth.
How it works
APGAR = Appearance + Pulse + Grimace + Activity + Respiration, each 0–2 · 7–10 reassuring, 4–6 moderately low, 0–3 low
APGAR is a quick, standardised snapshot of a newborn's condition, scored at 1 and 5 minutes (and repeated if low). The five signs — colour, heart rate, reflex response, tone and breathing — each earn 0, 2 or the middle value. It was designed to flag babies who need help transitioning after birth, not to predict long-term outcome; a low 1-minute score that recovers by 5 minutes is common and usually reassuring.
Worked example
A baby who is pink with blue hands (1), has a heart rate above 100 (2), cries when stimulated (2), moves actively (2) and cries strongly (2) scores 1 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 9 — a reassuring APGAR.
Frequently asked questions
When is the APGAR taken?
Routinely at 1 and 5 minutes after birth. If the 5-minute score is low, it is repeated every 5 minutes up to 20 minutes while resuscitation continues.
Does a low APGAR predict later problems?
Not reliably on its own. APGAR was designed to guide immediate care, and most babies with a low 1-minute score do well. It is not a measure of future development.
What score is normal?
Most healthy newborns score 7 to 10. Scores of 4–6 suggest the baby may need some help, and 0–3 calls for immediate resuscitation.
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Educational clinical estimate only — not a diagnosis, medical advice, or treatment. Scores are screening aids that must be interpreted by a qualified clinician alongside the full clinical picture. Never make care decisions from this tool alone.