Clinical Scores

Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) Calculator

Eye, verbal and motor responses scored 3 to 15; 8 or less usually means the airway needs protecting.

Reviewed by Alex G, BSN, RN, CEN, CCRN, CMC, NREMT-P · From the Reference tab of the app

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Formula

GCS = Eye Opening (1-4) + Verbal Response (1-5) + Motor Response (1-6)

How it is used

• GCS ≤ 8: "Less than eight, intubate." Indicates failure to protect the airway.
• Always record the breakdown (e.g., E3 V4 M5 = GCS 12) rather than just the total score.

Key points

• A drop in GCS of 2 or more points is considered a significant neurological decline requiring immediate evaluation.

Same formula as the app. Open it in the web app.

Related one-pagers

• Neuro: ICP and StrokeGCS 3–8 = severe; airway protection usually needed
• Trauma: Primary and Secondary SurveyD · GCS, pupils, lateralizing signs, glucose · Prevent hypoxia and hypotension
• EMS Patient AssessmentD · AVPU or GCS, pupils, glucose if altered · Treat low glucose per protocol; note deficits
• Mass Casualty Triage and Incident CommandAll · Motor GCS <6; RR <10 or >29

Related calculators

• APGAR Score
• Revised Trauma Score

For education and exam preparation only. Follow your institution’s protocols. For education and exam preparation only. Verify results independently and follow your local protocols and medical direction. Not a substitute for clinical judgment.