APGAR Score Calculator
Rapid newborn assessment tool for delivery calls. Score Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respirations to evaluate newborn condition and guide immediate care decisions.
APGAR Score Calculator
Appearance (Skin Color/Appearance)
Pulse (Heart Rate)
Grimace (Reflex Irritability/Response)
Activity (Muscle Tone/Activity)
Respiration (Respiratory Effort)
Category Scores
- APGAR should be assessed at 1 and 5 minutes after birth. If 5-minute score is <7, continue assessments every 5 minutes up to 20 minutes.
- APGAR score should not delay resuscitation efforts. Begin resuscitation based on initial assessment, not APGAR score.
- Follow neonatal resuscitation algorithm (NRP) regardless of APGAR score if infant shows signs of distress.
APGAR Acronym
Skin color throughout body
Heart rate by palpation or auscultation
Reflex irritability to stimulation
Muscle tone and movement
Respiratory effort and cry quality
Assessment Timing
Initial assessment of transition to extrauterine life
Response to resuscitation efforts if needed
Every 5 minutes until score ≥7 or up to 20 minutes
Important: Do not delay resuscitation to calculate APGAR score
Normal (7-10)
- • Good adaptation
- • Routine care
- • Continue monitoring
- • Support bonding
Moderate Depression (3-6)
- • Stimulation needed
- • Clear airway
- • Consider oxygen
- • Frequent reassessment
Severe Depression (0-2)
- • Immediate resuscitation
- • Positive pressure ventilation
- • Consider chest compressions
- • Advanced interventions
Neonatal Resuscitation Priority
Primary Assessment: Initial steps of neonatal resuscitation should be based on immediate visual and auditory assessment, not APGAR calculation.
Key Indicators: Breathing/crying, heart rate, and muscle tone are the most critical immediate factors for resuscitation decisions.
APGAR Role: Use APGAR to document condition and response to interventions, not to determine need for resuscitation.
Documentation & Communication
Complete Documentation: Record each category score individually (e.g., A1-P2-G1-A1-R2 = 7) along with time of assessment.
Hospital Communication: Report APGAR scores at 1 and 5 minutes to receiving facility. Include any resuscitation efforts performed.
Trending: Serial APGAR scores show response to interventions and help guide ongoing care decisions.
Critical Reminder
The APGAR score is a tool for assessment and communication, not for determining the need for resuscitation. Begin resuscitation immediately based on the initial assessment of breathing, heart rate, and tone. Follow your local neonatal resuscitation protocols and contact medical control as needed.