Free tool
Glasgow Coma Scale calculator.
Add up eye, verbal, and motor. Get an instant severity read for field use and NREMT prep.
Eye (E)
Verbal (V)
Motor (M)
Total GCS
15 / 15
Mild injury
Minor injury. Continue serial neuro checks — deterioration can happen.
E4 V5 M6
How to use the GCS
The GCS quantifies level of consciousness across three domains. Always score the best response and document each component separately (E-V-M), not just the sum. A total of 12 with M4 is a very different patient than a 12 with V1T from intubation.
Severity thresholds
- 13–15: Mild TBI — most head injuries fall here.
- 9–12: Moderate — trauma center consideration.
- 3–8: Severe — advanced airway consideration, rapid transport.
Frequently asked
- What is a normal GCS score?
- A fully alert, oriented patient scores 15. The minimum possible score is 3 (deep coma or death). Any score below 15 warrants a focused neurological reassessment.
- What GCS indicates severe head injury?
- GCS 3–8 is severe, 9–12 is moderate, 13–15 is mild. A GCS ≤ 8 is the traditional threshold for definitive airway management ('less than 8, intubate').
- Do I score the best response or worst?
- Best response in each category. If a patient localizes pain on one side and withdraws on the other, score motor as 5.
- How do I score an intubated patient?
- Verbal is scored as 1T (tube). Document the T suffix so the total isn't misread as spontaneous respirations.
For educational and exam-preparation use only. Not medical advice. Always follow your local protocols and medical direction.