NEWS2 Calculator
Calculate the National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2) — the standard track-and-trigger score used across the NHS and elsewhere to spot adults whose condition is deteriorating, including from sepsis. Enter the six routine bedside observations and whether the patient is on oxygen; each is scored 0–3 and added up. The tool shows the total, the clinical-risk band and whether any single reading has triggered a red score.
About NEWS2
NEWS2 standardises the assessment and response to acute illness from routine bedside observations. Source: Royal College of Physicians, “National Early Warning Score (NEWS) 2,” 2017.
Frequently asked questions
What does NEWS2 measure?
NEWS2 scores six physiological parameters — respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, systolic blood pressure, pulse, level of consciousness (new confusion counts) and temperature — plus whether the patient is receiving supplemental oxygen. Each is given 0, 1, 2 or 3 points depending on how far it is from normal, and the points are added to an aggregate score. With a maximum of 3 points from each of the six parameters and 2 for supplemental oxygen, the aggregate runs from 0 to 20. NEWS2 is the Royal College of Physicians update to the original NEWS; its main changes were the two SpO₂ scales and counting new confusion within the consciousness item.
What do the scores mean?
An aggregate of 0–4 is low risk (routine ward monitoring); a score of 3 in any single parameter is low-to-medium risk and prompts urgent review; 5–6 is medium risk and calls for an urgent review by a clinician competent in acute illness; and 7 or more is high risk, triggering an emergency assessment by a critical-care-capable team. Local escalation policies define the exact response. The single-parameter rule matters because a patient can be seriously unwell in one system while the total stays low — a respiratory rate of 8 scores 3 on its own and warrants urgent review even if every other observation is normal. Monitoring frequency also rises with the band, from a minimum of 12-hourly observations at a score of 0 to continuous monitoring at 7 or more.
What is the SpO₂ scale used here?
This calculator uses SpO₂ Scale 1, for patients with a normal oxygen target (94–98%). NEWS2 also has a Scale 2 for people with hypercapnic respiratory failure who have a target of 88–92% (for example some with COPD); Scale 2 must be prescribed and monitored by a clinician and is not used here. If your patient is on Scale 2, score it from the NEWS2 chart directly.
Does NEWS2 diagnose sepsis?
NEWS2 does not diagnose sepsis. A rising or high NEWS2 flags physiological deterioration and should prompt an assessment for its cause, including sepsis, but it is a trigger, not a diagnosis. It is often combined with clinical judgement and, in suspected infection, screening tools such as qSOFA. A low score does not exclude serious illness.
Who is it for?
NEWS2 is validated for acutely ill adults (16 and over) in hospital and pre-hospital settings. It is not for children, who use paediatric early-warning scores, nor for pregnant women, whose physiology differs (modified obstetric charts are used). This calculator is an educational reference, not medical advice.
This is a reference tool, not a diagnosis or medical advice. Results depend on the laboratory, assay and clinical context, and reference intervals vary between labs and by age and sex — always read your result against the range printed on your own report and discuss it with a qualified healthcare professional.
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