Glasgow Coma Scale calculator
Score eye, verbal and motor responses to get the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) out of 15. The result updates as you choose.
Mild
15 out of 15
E4 V5 M6. Record the three parts as well as the total.
GCS scoring chart
| Component | Score |
|---|---|
| Eye opening | 1 none, 2 to pressure, 3 to sound, 4 spontaneous |
| Verbal response | 1 none, 2 sounds, 3 words, 4 confused, 5 oriented |
| Motor response | 1 none, 2 extension, 3 abnormal flexion, 4 normal flexion, 5 localising, 6 obeys commands |
What the total means
In head injury, the total is commonly grouped as below. Scores run from 3 to 15, and a score of 8 or less is often used as the marker of coma.
| GCS | Severity |
|---|---|
| 13 to 15 | Mild |
| 9 to 12 | Moderate |
| 3 to 8 | Severe |
Using it well
- Record the three parts, such as E3 V4 M5, not just the total.
- Note anything that stops a part being tested, such as intubation or a swollen eye.
- Repeat it. The change over time matters more than one score.
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See the featuresCommon questions
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What is a normal GCS score?
15 is the highest score, in a fully alert person. The lowest possible score is 3.
What does a GCS of 8 mean?
A total of 8 or less falls in the severe band and is commonly used as the marker of coma.
Who developed the Glasgow Coma Scale?
Graham Teasdale and Bryan Jennett, in Glasgow, in 1974.
Try it with next week’s patients
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Setup help and staff training are included on every plan.