APGAR Score Calculator
Calculate the APGAR score, the standardized assessment performed on newborns at 1 and 5 minutes after birth. The score evaluates five clinical signs to quickly assess a newborn's physical condition and determine if immediate medical intervention is needed.
The APGAR score was developed by Dr. Virginia Apgar in 1952 and has since become the universal standard for rapid newborn assessment. The acronym stands for Appearance (skin color), Pulse (heart rate), Grimace (reflex irritability), Activity (muscle tone), and Respiration (breathing effort). Each criterion is scored 0, 1, or 2, for a maximum total of 10.
The score is typically assessed at 1 minute and 5 minutes after birth. The 1-minute score indicates how well the baby tolerated the birthing process, while the 5-minute score indicates how well the baby is adapting to the outside environment. If the 5-minute score is below 7, additional assessments may be performed every 5 minutes up to 20 minutes. Importantly, the APGAR score does not predict long-term health outcomes and should not be used in isolation for prognosis.
This calculator is for educational purposes only. APGAR scoring must be performed by trained healthcare professionals at the time of delivery as part of standard neonatal care. It requires direct physical assessment of the newborn and cannot be self-administered.