What is the Glasgow Coma Scale?

The GCS is a standardised neurological assessment tool measuring level of consciousness via three components: Eye opening (1–4), Verbal response (1–5), and Motor response (1–6). Total score ranges from 3 (deep coma) to 15 (fully conscious).

What GCS score indicates severe TBI?

A GCS score of 3–8 indicates severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). A score of 9–12 indicates moderate TBI, and 13–15 indicates mild TBI.

At what GCS score should intubation be considered?

A GCS of 8 or below is the traditional threshold for intubation to protect the airway. However, the decision must also consider clinical context, trajectory of GCS changes, and other patient factors.

Which component of GCS is most important?

The Motor response (M) component is generally considered the most clinically significant as it best reflects brain function and correlates most strongly with outcome. The best motor response should always be recorded.

What does a GCS of 3 mean?

A GCS of 3 is the minimum possible score, indicating no eye opening, no verbal response, and no motor response — deep unresponsive coma. Immediate emergency intervention is required.

Is this GCS calculator free?

Yes — completely free, no sign-up required. Results export to CSV or print for clinical documentation.

Medical › Neurology / Emergency

Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) Calculator

Calculate the Glasgow Coma Scale score for Eye, Verbal, and Motor responses. Includes TBI severity classification (Mild / Moderate / Severe), clinical interpretation, intubation guidance, and printable documentation.

🧠 Calculate GCS Score

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Eye (E)

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Verbal (V)

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Motor (M)

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Total GCS

Eye Opening Response

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Verbal Response

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Motor Response

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Patient ID / Name (optional)

Assessment Time (optional)

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GCS Total Score

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Severity Scale (3–15)

Severe (3–8)Moderate (9–12)Mild (13–15)

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Glasgow Coma Scale — Criteria & Clinical Use

The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) was developed in 1974 by Graham Teasdale and Bryan Jennett at the University of Glasgow. It provides a standardised, reproducible measure of conscious level for patients with acute brain dysfunction, most commonly used in traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, and post-operative neurological assessment.

Scoring Components

Eye Opening (E): Maximum 4 — measures the stimulus required to open eyes, from spontaneous (4) to no response (1)
Verbal Response (V): Maximum 5 — measures the quality of verbal output, from oriented (5) to no response (1)
Motor Response (M): Maximum 6 — most clinically significant component; measures best motor response from obeys commands (6) to no response (1)

TBI Severity Classification

Mild TBI: GCS 13–15 — most common; may have brief LOC or amnesia
Moderate TBI: GCS 9–12 — requires hospitalisation and monitoring
Severe TBI: GCS 3–8 — coma; requires intensive care and often intubation

Intubation Threshold

A GCS of 8 or below is the traditional threshold for airway protection via intubation, as the patient's ability to maintain and protect their own airway is considered compromised. However, clinical context and trajectory of GCS change also guide this decision.

Use alongside our pain scale assessment tool and blood pressure tracker for comprehensive neurological monitoring. For drug dosing in ICU patients, see our drug dosage calculator. For newborn neurological assessment, use our APGAR score calculator.

⚠️ The GCS is one component of neurological assessment. Clinical decisions must integrate GCS with pupil responses, vital signs, imaging, and clinical context. Always involve a qualified clinician in patient management decisions.