Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) Calculator
Interactive Glasgow Coma Scale tool for adults and children. Score eye, verbal, and motor responses, see the total GCS, and get an instant severity interpretation.
Clinical disclaimer: This tool is for educational and documentation support only. It does not replace clinical judgment, local protocols, or specialist consultation.
GCS Calculator
Using standard adult GCS descriptors.
If the patient is intubated, aphasic, or has another barrier to speech, document this (e.g., “V = 1T”) in your notes.
Total GCS
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E – / V – / M –
Severity category
Incomplete data
Select eye, verbal, and motor responses to see the total score and interpretation.
What is the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)?
The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is a standardized tool used worldwide to assess the level of consciousness in patients with suspected brain injury or altered mental status. It combines three components—eye opening (E), verbal response (V), and motor response (M)—into a total score ranging from 3 (deep coma) to 15 (fully awake).
The GCS is widely used in emergency medicine, intensive care, neurology, neurosurgery, and pre-hospital care to:
- Rapidly communicate a patient’s neurologic status.
- Monitor changes over time (e.g., GCS 14 → 10 → 8).
- Stratify severity in traumatic brain injury (TBI).
- Support decisions about imaging, airway protection, and level of care.
Glasgow Coma Scale components and scoring
1. Eye opening (E)
- E4 – Spontaneous: opens eyes without stimulation.
- E3 – To speech: opens eyes when spoken to (not necessarily oriented).
- E2 – To pain: opens eyes only in response to painful stimulus.
- E1 – None: no eye opening to voice or pain.
2. Verbal response (V)
- V5 – Oriented: converses normally, knows person, place, time.
- V4 – Confused: speaks in sentences but disoriented or confused.
- V3 – Inappropriate words: recognizable words, random or exclamatory, no sustained conversation.
- V2 – Incomprehensible sounds: moans, groans, unintelligible sounds.
- V1 – None: no verbal response.
- V5 – Smiles, oriented to sounds, follows objects, interacts.
- V4 – Cries but consolable, irritable.
- V3 – Inconsistently inconsolable, persistent crying or screaming.
- V2 – Moans to pain only.
- V1 – No response.
For older children who can speak in sentences, use the standard adult verbal scale.
3. Motor response (M)
- M6 – Obeys commands: performs simple tasks on request.
- M5 – Localizes pain: purposeful movement towards painful stimulus.
- M4 – Withdraws from pain: flexion withdrawal away from pain.
- M3 – Abnormal flexion (decorticate): stereotyped flexion to pain.
- M2 – Abnormal extension (decerebrate): stereotyped extension to pain.
- M1 – None: no motor response to pain.
- M6 – Spontaneous, purposeful movements / obeys commands (age-appropriate).
- M5 – Localizes pain: reaches towards painful stimulus.
- M4 – Withdraws from pain: pulls limb away from pain.
- M3 – Abnormal flexion to pain.
- M2 – Abnormal extension to pain.
- M1 – No response.
How to calculate the total GCS score
The total Glasgow Coma Scale score is the sum of the three components:
Total GCS = Eye (E) + Verbal (V) + Motor (M)Minimum = 3 (E1 + V1 + M1)Maximum = 15 (E4 + V5 + M6)
In documentation, it is best practice to record both the total score and the individual components, for example: “GCS 10 = E3 V3 M4”.
Interpreting GCS scores
Common severity categories in traumatic brain injury (TBI):
- Mild: GCS 13–15
- Moderate: GCS 9–12
- Severe: GCS 3–8
A GCS ≤ 8 is often used as a threshold for “coma” and is associated with a high risk of airway compromise and poor outcomes. However, interpretation must always consider:
- Effects of sedatives, paralytics, or intoxication.
- Intubation or tracheostomy (affecting verbal score).
- Pre-existing neurologic or developmental conditions.
- Language barriers and hearing impairment.
Special situations and modifiers
Intubated or non-verbal patients
When the verbal component cannot be assessed (e.g., endotracheal tube, tracheostomy, aphasia), many clinicians document:
- “V = 1T” (1 with tube) or
- “GCS = E3 V- M5 (intubated)”
This calculator does not automatically adjust for intubation; you should note this in your clinical record.
Periorbital swelling or eye trauma
If eye opening cannot be assessed because of swelling or trauma, document this clearly (e.g., “E = 1c” for closed by swelling) and interpret the total score with caution.
Pediatric considerations
Infants and toddlers cannot be assessed with adult verbal criteria. Pediatric GCS adaptations use behavioral cues such as cooing, crying, and consolability. This tool’s pediatric mode switches to age-appropriate descriptors for verbal and motor responses, but clinical judgment remains essential.
Limitations of the Glasgow Coma Scale
- Does not capture focal neurologic deficits (e.g., hemiparesis, pupillary changes).
- Less reliable in heavily sedated, paralyzed, or intoxicated patients.
- Inter-observer variability can occur without proper training.
- Not a standalone predictor of outcome; must be combined with imaging and clinical context.
Frequently asked questions
Is a GCS of 15 always normal?
A GCS of 15 indicates the patient is fully awake and oriented by GCS criteria, but they may still have subtle neurologic deficits, headache, or other symptoms. Always assess the full neurologic exam and history.
How often should GCS be reassessed?
In acute settings (e.g., emergency department, ICU, pre-hospital care), GCS is often reassessed at regular intervals or whenever there is a change in clinical status. Trending GCS over time is more informative than a single value.
Can GCS be used outside of trauma?
Yes. GCS is used for any cause of altered consciousness, including stroke, seizures, metabolic encephalopathy, intoxication, and post-operative monitoring. However, its prognostic meaning may differ by condition.
Clinical disclaimer
This Glasgow Coma Scale calculator is intended for educational purposes and to support structured documentation. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Always follow your local guidelines and consult appropriate specialists when managing patients with altered consciousness or suspected brain injury.
Glasgow Coma Scale – Quick FAQ
What is the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)?
The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is a clinical tool used to assess the level of consciousness in patients with acute brain injury. It scores three components—eye opening, verbal response, and motor response—to give a total score between 3 and 15.
How do you interpret GCS scores?
Total GCS scores are commonly grouped as: 13–15 = mild brain injury, 9–12 = moderate, and 3–8 = severe. Interpretation must always be made in clinical context and by qualified healthcare professionals.
Can the Glasgow Coma Scale be used in children?
Yes. For infants and young children who cannot speak normally, pediatric modifications of the verbal and motor components are used. This calculator includes a pediatric mode with age-appropriate descriptors.
What does a GCS score of 8 or less mean?
A GCS score of 8 or less is generally considered severe brain injury and is associated with a high risk of airway compromise and poor outcomes. These patients typically require urgent specialist assessment and often airway protection.
Can I use this GCS calculator to make medical decisions?
No. This tool is for educational and documentation support only. It does not replace clinical judgment, local protocols, or specialist consultation. Always follow your institution's guidelines and consult appropriate clinicians.