Apgar score calculator
Use this Apgar score calculator for quick newborn assessment across five domains at 1 and 5 minutes after birth.
Clinical disclaimer
How Apgar works
Apgar assigns 0-2 points for each of five domains: appearance (color), pulse, grimace (reflex irritability), activity (muscle tone), and respiration. The total ranges from 0 to 10.
- Score at 1 minute and 5 minutes after birth.
- Repeat every 5 minutes if the 5-minute score is below 7.
- Use the trend to track response to resuscitation and transition.
Interpretation
- 7-10: generally normal transition.
- 4-6: moderate depression; reassess and support as needed.
- 0-3: severe depression; urgent evaluation and intervention required.
Scores should be interpreted in context of gestational age, medications, and resuscitation.
Limitations and clinical notes
- Apgar is not intended to guide immediate resuscitation steps or predict long-term outcomes on its own.
- Prematurity, maternal medications, and congenital anomalies can lower scores without indicating poor prognosis.
- Document timing accurately, especially if additional scores are recorded after 5 minutes.
Related calculators
References
Frequently asked questions
The score is documented at 1 minute and 5 minutes after birth. If the 5-minute score is below 7, repeat scoring every 5 minutes until 20 minutes or until improved.
Scores of 7-10 are generally normal, 4-6 suggest moderate depression, and 0-3 indicate severe depression and the need for urgent evaluation.
Not by itself. The Apgar Score is a quick assessment of newborn transition and response to resuscitation, not a stand-alone predictor of long-term outcomes.
No. Resuscitation is guided by immediate clinical condition and neonatal resuscitation protocols. Apgar scoring is completed after stabilization steps.