Clinical reference calculator · GeraClinic

STOP-BANG Sleep Apnoea Risk Calculator

The STOP-BANG questionnaire screens for obstructive sleep apnoea using eight yes/no items (Snoring, Tiredness, Observed apnoea, blood Pressure, BMI, Age, Neck circumference, Gender); higher scores indicate higher risk.

Quick answer

STOP-BANG screens for obstructive sleep apnoea with eight yes/no items — Snoring loudly, Tiredness, Observed apnoea, high blood Pressure, BMI over 35, Age over 50, Neck over 40 cm, and male Gender. Each scores 1 point: 0–2 is low risk, 3–4 intermediate, and 5–8 high risk of moderate-to-severe OSA.

STOP-BANG questionnaire

Snoring loudlyLouder than talking / heard through closed doors+1Tiredness / daytime sleepiness most days+1Observed stopping breathing / choking in sleep+1High blood pressure (treated or diagnosed)+1BMI > 35 kg/m²+1Age > 50 years+1Neck circumference > 40 cm+1Male gender+1

0/ 8

Low risk of obstructive sleep apnoea.

A STOP-BANG of 0. The score screens for obstructive sleep apnoea and flags who should be referred for a diagnostic sleep study — it does not diagnose OSA itself.

Validated formula

1 point for each "yes" (maximum 8): S = Snoring loudly; T = Tiredness; O = Observed apnoea; P = high blood Pressure; B = BMI >35 kg/m²; A = Age >50; N = Neck circumference >40 cm; G = male Gender.

Interpretation

0–2— Low risk of obstructive sleep apnoea.
3–4— Intermediate risk of OSA.
5–8— High risk of moderate-to-severe OSA — consider sleep study referral.

How to use the STOP-BANG calculator

1Answer the eight questions. Tick each item that applies: loud snoring, daytime tiredness, observed stopping of breathing, high blood pressure, BMI over 35, age over 50, neck circumference over 40 cm, and male gender.
2Read the score. The tool totals the points from 0 to 8.
3Interpret the risk. 0–2 is low risk, 3–4 is intermediate, and 5–8 is high risk of moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnoea — a prompt to consider a sleep study.

Medical disclaimer: This is general health information, not medical advice. It does not diagnose or treat any condition, and the results are estimates based on public reference formulas. Always consult a qualified doctor about your individual health. If you think you may have a medical emergency, contact your local emergency services immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

What STOP-BANG score means high risk of sleep apnoea?⌄

A score of 5 to 8 indicates high risk of moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnoea. Scores of 3–4 are intermediate, and 0–2 are low risk.

Does STOP-BANG diagnose sleep apnoea?⌄

No. It is a screening questionnaire that flags who should be referred for a diagnostic sleep study (such as polysomnography). The diagnosis is made by the sleep study, not the score.

Why does the score include neck size and gender?⌄

A larger neck circumference and male sex were independent predictors of obstructive sleep apnoea in the validation studies, so they are included as scored items.

Sources & validation

This calculator reproduces the published STOP-BANG score, validated for risk of obstructive sleep apnoea.

Chung F et al. STOP Questionnaire: a tool to screen patients for obstructive sleep apnea. Anesthesiology 2008;108(5):812-821. — verified 2026-06-25

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