APGAR Score Calculator
This tool is designed to help healthcare professionals quickly assess the health of newborns immediately after birth using the APGAR scoring system.
APGAR Score Inputs
Results
Data Source and Methodology
ScienceDirect: Apgar Score. All calculations are rigorously based on the formulas and data provided by this source.
The Formula Explained
The APGAR score is calculated by evaluating five criteria: heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex irritability, and skin color, each scored between 0 to 2.
Glossary of Variables
- Heart Rate: 0 for absent, 1 for below 100 beats per minute, 2 for above 100.
- Respiratory Effort: 0 for absent, 1 for slow/irregular, 2 for good/crying.
- Muscle Tone: 0 for limp, 1 for some flexion, 2 for active motion.
- Reflex Irritability: 0 for no response, 1 for grimace, 2 for cry/cough/sneeze.
- Color: 0 for blue/pale, 1 for pink body/blue extremities, 2 for completely pink.
How It Works: A Step-by-Step Example
Consider a newborn with a heart rate of 1, respiratory effort of 2, muscle tone of 2, reflex irritability of 1, and color of 1. The total APGAR score would be 1+2+2+1+1 = 7, indicating a healthy newborn.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the APGAR score used for?
The APGAR score is a quick test performed on a newborn at 1 and 5 minutes after birth. The 1-minute score determines how well the baby tolerated the birthing process, and the 5-minute score tells the healthcare provider how well the baby is doing outside the mother's womb.
What is a normal APGAR score?
Scores of 7 and above are generally normal, 4 to 6 fairly low, and 3 and below are generally regarded as critically low.
Can a baby have a low APGAR score and still be healthy?
Yes, some perfectly healthy babies have low scores, especially in the first few minutes of life.
What actions are taken if a baby's APGAR score is low?
If the score is low, the baby might need some immediate interventions like suctioning of the airways or oxygen to help them breathe more easily.
Is the APGAR score used internationally?
Yes, the APGAR score is used worldwide as a standard assessment for newborns.
Formula (LaTeX) + variables + units
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- ScienceDirect: Apgar Score — sciencedirect.com · Accessed 2026-01-19
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/apgar-score
Last code update: 2026-01-19
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