STOP-BANG Calculator · Sleep Apnea Risk

STOP-BANG Calculator

Screen for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) risk · 8 simple questions

Answer each question
Your STOP-BANG Score
🟢 Low Risk (0-2)
Total Score
— / 8
Risk Level
—
OSA Likelihood
—
Recommendation
—
📋 Interpretation
The STOP-BANG score helps predict the likelihood of moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea.
📊 Risk Classification
Score
Risk Level
OSA Probability
0 – 2
Low
Low probability of moderate-severe OSA
3 – 4
Intermediate
Moderate probability; consider further evaluation
5 – 8
High
High probability; strongly consider sleep study
📐 Scoring Details
Each "Yes" answer = 1 point. STOP: Snoring, Tired, Observed, Pressure (BP)  ·  BANG: BMI > 35, Age > 50, Neck circumference > 40 cm, Gender (Male)

Powered by Toolraxy

`; embedCodeTextarea.value = ``; }window.toggleEmbedPanel = function() { if (embedPanel.style.display === 'none' || embedPanel.style.display === '') { generateEmbedCode(); embedPanel.style.display = 'block'; } else { embedPanel.style.display = 'none'; } };window.copyEmbedCode = function() { embedCodeTextarea.select(); navigator.clipboard?.writeText(embedCodeTextarea.value).then(() => alert('Embed code copied!')).catch( () => alert('Press Ctrl+C')); };// ─── Events ─── document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() { // Initialize all to No questions.forEach(q => { setQuestionValue(q.id, 0); }); calculateScore(); });})();

Relevant Tools

ADVERTISEMENT

Creator & Maintainer

Image of Faiq Ur Rahman, CEO & Founder Toolraxy

Faiq Ur Rahman

Founder & CEO, Toolraxy

Faiq Ur Rahman is a web designer, digital product developer, and founder of Toolraxy, a growing platform of web-based calculators and utility tools. He specializes in building structured, user-friendly tools focused on health, finance, productivity, and everyday problem-solving.

View Profile

Share:

Rate this Tool

User Ratings:

0
0 out of 5 stars (based on 0 reviews)
Excellent
Very good
Average
Poor
Terrible

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Introduction

The STOP-BANG questionnaire is a validated screening tool used to identify individuals at risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Developed by Dr. Frances Chung and colleagues, it combines four self-reported symptoms (STOP) with four demographic and physical characteristics (BANG) to predict the likelihood of moderate-to-severe OSA. This simple, eight-question screening tool has been widely adopted in clinical practice and research settings due to its high sensitivity and ease of administration.

Obstructive sleep apnea is a common but often underdiagnosed condition characterized by repeated episodes of upper airway collapse during sleep, leading to oxygen desaturation, sleep fragmentation, and daytime symptoms. Untreated OSA is associated with hypertension, cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, and impaired quality of life. Early identification through screening tools like STOP-BANG can facilitate timely referral for diagnostic sleep studies and appropriate treatment.

 

How to Use the STOP-BANG Calculator

  1. Answer each of the 8 questions by selecting “Yes” or “No” for each item.

  2. The questions cover: Snoring, Tiredness, Observed apnea, Pressure (blood pressure), BMI > 35, Age > 50, Neck circumference > 40 cm, and Gender (male).

  3. Each “Yes” response scores 1 point.

  4. Use the quick example buttons to test different risk profiles.

  5. View your Total Score out of 8 in the results section.

  6. Check your Risk Level (Low, Intermediate, or High) with a color-coded badge.

  7. Review the OSA Likelihood assessment.

  8. Read the personalized Recommendation based on your score.

  9. Consult the Risk Classification table for clinical context.

  10. Copy, share, or embed your results using the buttons below.

 

How the STOP-BANG Calculator Formula Works

The STOP-BANG scoring system is simple and additive. Each “Yes” response contributes 1 point to the total score.

Formula: STOP-BANG Score = Σ(Responses to 8 questions)

Each question is answered with “Yes” (1 point) or “No” (0 points):

STOP Questions:

  • Snoring: Do you snore loudly?

  • Tired: Do you often feel tired, fatigued, or sleepy during daytime?

  • Observed: Has anyone observed you stop breathing during sleep?

  • Pressure: Do you have high blood pressure?

BANG Questions:

  • BMI: Is your BMI > 35 kg/m²?

  • Age: Are you older than 50 years?

  • Neck: Is your neck circumference > 40 cm (15.7 in)?

  • Gender: Are you male?

Interpretation:

  • 0–2: Low risk of moderate-to-severe OSA

  • 3–4: Intermediate risk; consider further evaluation

  • 5–8: High risk; strongly consider sleep study

A score of 3 or higher is associated with increased probability of moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea.

 

Worked Example

A 52-year-old male patient with a BMI of 36 kg/m² presents to his primary care physician. He completes the STOP-BANG questionnaire:

QuestionResponseScore
S — Snoring loudly?Yes1
T — Tired during daytime?Yes1
O — Observed apnea during sleep?No0
P — High blood pressure?Yes1
B — BMI > 35?Yes1
A — Age > 50?Yes1
N — Neck > 40 cm?Yes1
G — Male gender?Yes1

Total Score: 1 + 1 + 0 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 7 / 8

Classification: High Risk

Interpretation: “You have a high risk of OSA. A sleep study is strongly recommended. Consult a sleep specialist.”

The patient is referred for polysomnography, which confirms severe obstructive sleep apnea (AHI of 45). He is started on CPAP therapy and experiences significant improvement in daytime sleepiness and blood pressure control.

Real-World Example Scenario

A 60-year-old female patient with a BMI of 38 kg/m² and a history of hypertension presents with complaints of daytime fatigue. Her husband has noticed her snoring loudly and occasionally stopping breathing during sleep. She completes the STOP-BANG questionnaire:

  • Snoring: Yes

  • Tired: Yes

  • Observed: Yes

  • Pressure: Yes

  • BMI > 35: Yes

  • Age > 50: Yes

  • Neck > 40 cm: No

  • Gender (male): No

Score: 6 / 8 (High Risk)

Interpretation: “You have a high risk of OSA. A sleep study is strongly recommended. Consult a sleep specialist.”

The patient is referred for a sleep study, which confirms moderate obstructive sleep apnea (AHI of 22). She starts CPAP therapy and notices significant improvement in her fatigue, mood, and blood pressure control within weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the STOP-BANG Calculator and how does it work?

The STOP-BANG Calculator is a screening tool for obstructive sleep apnea that uses 8 yes/no questions. Each “Yes” scores 1 point. The total score (0–8) is classified as Low (0–2), Intermediate (3–4), or High (5–8) risk. The tool helps identify individuals who should be referred for a formal sleep study.

 

What is the STOP-BANG score for sleep apnea?

The STOP-BANG score ranges from 0 to 8. A score of 0–2 indicates low risk, 3–4 indicates intermediate risk, and 5–8 indicates high risk of moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea. A score of 3 or higher suggests that further evaluation with a sleep study may be warranted.

 

What does a STOP-BANG score of 4 mean?

A STOP-BANG score of 4 places you in the Intermediate Risk category. This indicates a moderate probability of moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea. The recommendation is to consider a formal sleep study (polysomnography) for further evaluation.

 

What does a STOP-BANG score of 5 mean?

A STOP-BANG score of 5 places you in the High Risk category. This suggests a high probability of moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea. A sleep study is strongly recommended. Consult a sleep specialist for a comprehensive evaluation.

 

Is STOP-BANG accurate for women?

STOP-BANG has been validated in both men and women, but its sensitivity may be slightly lower in women due to gender differences in OSA presentation. A score of 3 or higher in women still warrants further evaluation, but clinical judgment should also be used.

 

Can STOP-BANG be used for children?

The STOP-BANG questionnaire was developed for adults (typically 18+ years). Pediatric sleep apnea screening uses different tools and criteria. This calculator is intended for adult use only.

 

What should I do if I have a high STOP-BANG score?

If your STOP-BANG score is 5 or higher (High Risk), you should consult a healthcare provider about undergoing a formal sleep study (polysomnography). If your score is 3–4 (Intermediate Risk), consider discussing further evaluation with your doctor. Lifestyle modifications like weight loss and positional therapy may also help.

 

Does a low STOP-BANG score mean I don’t have sleep apnea?

A low score (0–2) suggests that OSA is unlikely, but it does not completely rule it out. Some individuals with OSA, particularly those with atypical presentations, may have low scores. If you have symptoms like excessive daytime sleepiness or witnessed apnea, further evaluation may still be warranted.

 

How is STOP-BANG different from the Epworth Sleepiness Scale?

STOP-BANG screens for the risk of having OSA by assessing risk factors, while the Epworth Sleepiness Scale measures daytime sleepiness as a symptom. They are complementary tools, a high STOP-BANG score suggests OSA risk, and a high ESS score confirms daytime sleepiness, which together strengthen the case for further evaluation.

 

What is the neck circumference cutoff for STOP-BANG?

The STOP-BANG neck circumference cutoff is 40 cm (15.7 inches). A neck circumference greater than this threshold is associated with increased risk of airway obstruction and moderate-to-severe OSA.

Medical Disclaimer

This STOP-BANG Calculator is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. The results are based on the validated STOP-BANG scoring system, but they should not replace professional medical evaluation, including comprehensive sleep assessment and personalized care. Obstructive sleep apnea is a serious medical condition that requires proper diagnosis and treatment. A high STOP-BANG score does not confirm a diagnosis of sleep apnea — a formal diagnosis requires a sleep study (polysomnography). Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding your sleep health and any concerns you may have. No calculator can substitute for proper medical assessment and personalized care.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT