NEWS2 Calculator (National Early Warning Score)
Calculate the NEWS2 score to identify patients at risk of clinical deterioration and sepsis.
How to Use the NEWS2 Calculator
- Enter the respiratory rate (/min).
- Enter SpO2 (%) and select whether on supplemental oxygen.
- Enter temperature (°C).
- Enter systolic blood pressure (mmHg).
- Enter heart rate (bpm).
- Select the consciousness level (AVPU scale).
Use Cases
- •Early detection of clinical deterioration in ward patients.
- •Sepsis screening and escalation triggering.
- •Standardised handover communication in acute care.
Formula
NEWS2 = RR + SpO2 (Scale 1 or 2) + Supplemental O2 + Temperature + Systolic BP + HR + Consciousness. Score 0–20.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NEWS2?
The National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2) is a standardised scoring system used across NHS hospitals to assess the degree of illness and identify patients at risk of deterioration or sepsis. It was updated in 2017 to include a new SpO2 scale for hypercapnic respiratory failure.
How is NEWS2 interpreted?
Score 0–4: Low risk — routine monitoring. Score 5–6: Medium risk — urgent review required. Score ≥7: High risk — emergency assessment required. Any single score of 3 = low-medium risk.
Medical disclaimer
This calculator is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical evaluation. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for clinical decisions.