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APGAR Score Calculator

Quickly assess newborns at 1 and 5 minutes after birth

Calculated APGAR
10/ 10
Normal Newborn Status (7-10)
Reviewed by the CareCalculus Clinical Team·MD, ICU & Emergency Medicine specialists·Updated 2026

Clinical Interpretation

Normal (7-10), Moderately Depressed (4-6), Severely Depressed (0-3). Repeat every 5 minutes up to 20 minutes if score remains < 7.

Mathematical Metric

APGAR = Appearance + Pulse + Grimace + Activity + Respiration

Evidence & Lit

References: Apgar V. A proposal for a new method of evaluation of the newborn infant. Anesth Analg 1953.

Apgar V, Anesth Analg 1953 (PMID: 13092343) →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the APGAR score?

The APGAR score is a rapid assessment of a newborn's clinical status performed at 1 minute and 5 minutes after birth. It evaluates: Appearance (color), Pulse (heart rate), Grimace (reflex irritability), Activity (muscle tone), and Respiration.

What does a normal APGAR score mean?

An APGAR score of 7 to 10 is considered normal and indicates the newborn is in good health. Scores of 4 to 6 indicate moderate depression, and 0 to 3 indicate severe distress requiring immediate resuscitation.

When is the APGAR score calculated?

It is calculated routinely at 1 and 5 minutes after birth. If the 5-minute score is low (<7), it may be repeated every 5 minutes up to 20 minutes to monitor resuscitation progress.

Does a low APGAR score predict long-term brain damage?

Not necessarily. A low score at 1 minute is common and often resolves. Even at 5 minutes, a low score shows correlation with immediate survival but is a poor predictor of long-term neurological outcome in individual cases.