How this calculator works
Apgar assigns 0, 1 or 2 points to five observations of a newborn at a single time. Sum all five observations; do not mix findings from different minutes. The 1953 paper introduced assessment at 60 seconds. Current AAP guidance records at 1 and 5 minutes and repeats when indicated. Resuscitation starts when needed and must not wait for a score. Scores during resuscitation are not equivalent to scores in a spontaneously breathing infant. The result is an estimate for information only and is not medical advice.
Formula
Apgar = heart-rate points + respiratory-effort points + muscle-tone points + reflex-response points + colour points. Each component contributes 0 to 2; total 0 to 10.
Worked example
A newborn with component scores 2, 2, 2, 2 and 1 has an Apgar score of 9. Scores of 1, 1, 1, 1 and 0 total 4.
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Frequently asked questions
Can the score diagnose birth asphyxia?
No. Apgar alone cannot establish asphyxia or predict an individual child's neurological outcome.
Should treatment wait for this result?
No. Resuscitation and immediate assessment take priority. The score documents condition and response to care.
Are 1-minute and 5-minute scores added?
No. Calculate and document each assessment separately, including any resuscitative support.