# Apgar Score Calculator

URL: https://speedycalculator.com/calculators/health/apgar-score/
Last updated: 2026-10-30

> The Apgar score calculator rates a newborn's condition at 1 and 5 minutes after birth on five signs – Appearance (colour), Pulse, Grimace (reflex irritability), Activity (muscle tone) and Respiration – each scored 0, 1 or 2.

## Inputs

- Appearance (skin colour)
- Pulse
- Grimace (reflex irritability)
- Activity (muscle tone)
- Respiration

## Results

- Apgar score
- Interpretation

## Formula

```
Score = sum of the points for each item
```

## Explanation

Dr Virginia Apgar introduced the score in 1952. A 5-minute score of 7–10 is reassuring, 4–6 moderately abnormal and 0–3 low. The score describes the baby's condition; it does not predict long-term outcome on its own.

### How to use the Apgar Score Calculator

- **Appearance (skin colour)**
- **Pulse**
- **Grimace (reflex irritability)**
- **Activity (muscle tone)**
- **Respiration**

Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.

### How it works

Each answer carries the points shown in the published score. The calculator adds them up and maps the total to the published interpretation.

### Scoring table

ItemAnswers and pointsAppearance (skin colour)Blue or pale all over = 0; Body pink, hands and feet blue = 1; Pink all over = 2PulseAbsent = 0; Below 100 bpm = 1; 100 bpm or more = 2Grimace (reflex irritability)No response = 0; Grimace = 1; Cry, cough or sneeze = 2Activity (muscle tone)Limp = 0; Some flexion = 1; Active movement = 2RespirationAbsent = 0; Slow or irregular, weak cry = 1; Good, strong cry = 2

### Inputs explained

FieldWhat to enterAppearance (skin colour)Choose one: Blue or pale all over, Body pink, hands and feet blue, Pink all overPulseChoose one: Absent, Below 100 bpm, 100 bpm or moreGrimace (reflex irritability)Choose one: No response, Grimace, Cry, cough or sneezeActivity (muscle tone)Choose one: Limp, Some flexion, Active movementRespirationChoose one: Absent, Slow or irregular, weak cry, Good, strong cry
*Health note: this calculator is for education and screening only and is not a diagnosis or treatment advice. Discuss your results with a qualified clinician.*

## Worked example

Inputs — Appearance (skin colour): Body pink, hands and feet blue; Pulse: 100 bpm or more; Grimace (reflex irritability): Cry, cough or sneeze; Activity (muscle tone): Active movement; Respiration: Good, strong cry.

Results — **Apgar score = 9 / 10**; Interpretation = Reassuring.

## Key terms

- **Apgar**: Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respiration.

## FAQ

**What is a normal Apgar score?**
7 to 10.

**Why is the score repeated at 5 minutes?**
To see how the baby responds to the first minutes of life and any help given.

**Does a low Apgar mean brain damage?**
Not by itself; most babies with low 1-minute scores do well.


## Sources

- [American Academy of Pediatrics and ACOG – The Apgar score. Pediatrics, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26416932/)