One thousand unselected newborns with accurately known gestation were examined and scored for six physical parameters (sole creases, skin colour, breast tissues, nipple formation, ear cartilage, skin texture). Statistical analysis was made to assess the correlation of these physical characteristics with gestational age, probable error and their cross correlation. A new combination of four characteristics (sole creases, ear cartilage, breast tissue, skin colour, was evolved to develop a simple, easy and less disturbing system for the rapid assessment of gestational age at birth in just half a minute.