STOP-BANG was developed in 2008 to screen surgical patients and is now used widely in clinics and sleep services. A score of 0–2 makes moderate-to-severe sleep apnea unlikely, while 5–8 indicates high risk.
How to use the STOP-BANG Calculator
- Do you snore loudly (louder than talking or heard through closed doors)?
- Do you often feel tired, fatigued or sleepy during the day?
- Has anyone observed you stop breathing during sleep?
- Do you have or are you being treated for high blood pressure?
- BMI more than 35 kg/m²?
- Age over 50?
- Neck circumference over 40 cm (16 in)?
- Male?
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 |
|---|---|
| Do you snore loudly (louder than talking or heard through closed doors)? | No = 0; Yes = 1 |
| Do you often feel tired, fatigued or sleepy during the day? | No = 0; Yes = 1 |
| Has anyone observed you stop breathing during sleep? | No = 0; Yes = 1 |
| Do you have or are you being treated for high blood pressure? | No = 0; Yes = 1 |
| BMI more than 35 kg/m²? | No = 0; Yes = 1 |
| Age over 50? | No = 0; Yes = 1 |
| Neck circumference over 40 cm (16 in)? | No = 0; Yes = 1 |
| Male? | No = 0; Yes = 1 |
Tips
- Keep a regular wake-up time, even at weekends.
- Get daylight in the morning and dim screens in the hour before bed.
- Keep the bedroom cool, dark and quiet.
- See a doctor about loud snoring, gasping at night or strong daytime sleepiness.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Trying to catch up on a week of short nights in one lie-in.
- Using alcohol to fall asleep – it fragments sleep later in the night.
- Ignoring symptoms of sleep apnoea.
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Do you snore loudly (louder than talking or heard through closed doors)? | Choose one: No, Yes |
| Do you often feel tired, fatigued or sleepy during the day? | Choose one: No, Yes |
| Has anyone observed you stop breathing during sleep? | Choose one: No, Yes |
| Do you have or are you being treated for high blood pressure? | Choose one: No, Yes |
| BMI more than 35 kg/m²? | Choose one: No, Yes |
| Age over 50? | Choose one: No, Yes |
| Neck circumference over 40 cm (16 in)? | Choose one: No, Yes |
| Male? | Choose one: No, Yes |
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 = 1 point for each yes (0–8)
0–2 low · 3–4 intermediate · 5–8 high risk
Also high: 2+ STOP answers plus male sex, BMI > 35 or neck > 40 cm
Worked example
Inputs — Do you snore loudly (louder than talking or heard through closed doors)?: Yes; Do you often feel tired, fatigued or sleepy during the day?: Yes; Has anyone observed you stop breathing during sleep?: No; Do you have or are you being treated for high blood pressure?: Yes; BMI more than 35 kg/m²?: No; Age over 50?: Yes; Neck circumference over 40 cm (16 in)?: No; Male?: Yes.
Results — STOP-BANG score = 5 / 8; Risk of obstructive sleep apnea = High risk.
Key terms
- OSA
- Obstructive sleep apnea.
Frequently asked questions
What does a high STOP-BANG score mean?
You are likely to have moderate-to-severe sleep apnea and should have a sleep study.
Is STOP-BANG accurate?
It is very sensitive (catches most cases) but has many false positives.
Can women have sleep apnea?
Yes – it is under-diagnosed in women, especially after the menopause.