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
| Item | Answers and points |
|---|---|
| Appearance (skin colour) | Blue or pale all over = 0; Body pink, hands and feet blue = 1; Pink all over = 2 |
| Pulse | Absent = 0; Below 100 bpm = 1; 100 bpm or more = 2 |
| Grimace (reflex irritability) | No response = 0; Grimace = 1; Cry, cough or sneeze = 2 |
| Activity (muscle tone) | Limp = 0; Some flexion = 1; Active movement = 2 |
| Respiration | Absent = 0; Slow or irregular, weak cry = 1; Good, strong cry = 2 |
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Appearance (skin colour) | Choose one: Blue or pale all over, Body pink, hands and feet blue, Pink all over |
| Pulse | Choose one: Absent, Below 100 bpm, 100 bpm or more |
| Grimace (reflex irritability) | Choose one: No response, Grimace, Cry, cough or sneeze |
| Activity (muscle tone) | Choose one: Limp, Some flexion, Active movement |
| Respiration | Choose 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.
Formula
Score = sum of the points for each item
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.
Frequently asked questions
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.