How to use the apgar score calculator
Prepare the values for this calculation
Add the five standard Apgar component scores for a newborn assessment at a selected post-birth time point. This page records the score only and does not predict neurologic outcome. Use the formula below to check that it answers your question. Read the input units before transferring figures from a statement, measurement or dataset.
Enter and check each input
- Assessment time after birth: choose 1 minute, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes. Match this selection to the data you enter.
- Appearance / color: choose 0 — whole body bluish-gray or pale, 1 — good body color with bluish hands or feet, 2 — good color all over. Match this selection to the data you enter.
- Heart rate: choose 0 — no heart rate, 1 — fewer than 100 beats/min, 2 — at least 100 beats/min. Match this selection to the data you enter.
- Reflex irritability: choose 0 — no response, 1 — grimace, 2 — active withdrawal, cough or sneeze. Match this selection to the data you enter.
- Muscle tone: choose 0 — limp; no movement, 1 — some flexion of arms and legs, 2 — active motion. Match this selection to the data you enter.
- Respiratory effort: choose 0 — not breathing, 1 — weak cry / slow or irregular breathing, 2 — good strong cry / normal rate and effort. Match this selection to the data you enter.
The input table gives a complete example. Keep units and time periods consistent across related fields.
Calculate and resolve any input error
Choose Calculate after entering the values. Changes also update the answer after a short pause. If an error appears, follow its message, correct the field and calculate again. Reset restores the example values.
Interpret the answer
Check Apgar total first. With the unchanged example inputs, it is 10 / 10. Compare the additional metrics with the primary result; each has its own label and unit.
Compare and keep a useful result
The result diagram shows the inputs, method and output. A numeric chart is shown only when the calculation supports a meaningful numeric relationship.
Use Copy result or Download CSV to keep the answer. Share tool shares the page address without placing your input values in the URL. Recheck inputs and assumptions before using the result for a decision.
APGAR Score Calculator formula
Apgar total = color + heart rate + reflex irritability + muscle tone + respiratory effort; each component is scored 0, 1 or 2, for a total from 0 to 10.
Inputs and units
| Input | Format / range | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment time after birth | Select an option | 5 minutes |
| Appearance / color | Select an option | 2 — good color all over |
| Heart rate | Select an option | 2 — at least 100 beats/min |
| Reflex irritability | Select an option | 2 — active withdrawal, cough or sneeze |
| Muscle tone | Select an option | 2 — active motion |
| Respiratory effort | Select an option | 2 — good strong cry / normal rate and effort |
Worked example
Using the example inputs above, the apgar total is 10 / 10.
- Apgar total
- 10 / 10
- Assessment time
- 5 minutes after birth
- Component notation
- C2 P2 G2 A2 R2
Results and assumptions
The Apgar score describes a newborn’s condition at a point in time. ACOG cautions that it has limitations and should not be used to predict an individual infant’s neurologic outcome. Clinical care and resuscitation decisions require trained neonatal assessment.
Sources and method references
Fix an input or unexpected result
If your answer differs from the example, choose Reset and compare every field, including selected units and options. Check percentage versus decimal entry and whether values describe the same period. Round only the final displayed answer when reproducing the formula.
If a discrepancy remains, report the calculator issue with the page address, non-sensitive example inputs, actual result, expected result and a reference for your calculation.