Blood Pressure Calculator

Enter your blood pressure reading to see your AHA category, calculate mean arterial pressure (MAP) and pulse pressure, and get evidence-based guidance. This tool uses the 2017 American Heart Association / American College of Cardiology guidelines.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for educational purposes only. A single blood pressure reading is not sufficient to diagnose hypertension. Always consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Your Blood Pressure Analysis

BP Category —
Your Reading —
Mean Arterial Pressure —
Pulse Pressure —

AHA Blood Pressure Categories (2017)

CategorySystolicDiastolicAction

Blood Pressure Over Time (Multiple Readings)

Hypertension is diagnosed from the average of ≥2 readings on ≥2 separate occasions. A single high reading is not diagnostic.

Lifestyle ChangeSystolic Reduction
DASH diet8–14 mmHg
Sodium reduction (to 1,500 mg/day)2–8 mmHg
Regular aerobic exercise (90–150 min/week)4–9 mmHg
Weight loss (per 10 kg lost)5–20 mmHg
Limit alcohol (≤1 drink/day women, ≤2 men)2–4 mmHg
Stress reduction / meditation2–4 mmHg

Understanding Blood Pressure Numbers

Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and expressed as two numbers: systolic / diastolic. Both numbers matter, and the higher one determines your category.

Systolic vs. Diastolic Pressure

Systolic pressure (top number) is the force your heart exerts on vessel walls when beating. Diastolic (bottom number) is the pressure when your heart relaxes between beats. Isolated systolic hypertension (high systolic, normal diastolic) is common in older adults and carries significant cardiovascular risk.

Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP)

MAP represents average pressure throughout the cardiac cycle. Normal MAP: 70–110 mmHg. Organs require MAP ≥ 60 mmHg for adequate perfusion. MAP < 60 mmHg is a medical emergency (shock). Formula: MAP = (2 × Diastolic + Systolic) ÷ 3.

Pulse Pressure

Pulse pressure = Systolic − Diastolic. Normal range: 30–40 mmHg. Wide pulse pressure (>60 mmHg) suggests arterial stiffness and increased cardiovascular risk. Narrow pulse pressure (<25 mmHg) may indicate reduced cardiac output.

Frequently Asked Questions

Normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mmHg. Elevated is 120–129 systolic with diastolic under 80. Stage 1 hypertension is 130–139/80–89; Stage 2 is 140+/90+. Hypertensive crisis (requiring immediate care) is above 180/120. Low blood pressure (hypotension) is typically below 90/60. A single reading is less meaningful than a pattern measured over multiple visits.

The systolic number (top) measures pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. The diastolic number (bottom) measures pressure between beats when your heart rests. Systolic pressure is generally the more important number for assessing cardiovascular risk in adults over 50, though both numbers matter. High diastolic pressure is particularly relevant in younger adults.

See a doctor if readings consistently show Stage 1 hypertension (130/80+) on multiple occasions. Seek immediate care if reading is 180/120 or higher, especially with symptoms like severe headache, chest pain, or vision changes. A single elevated reading during stress or pain is less concerning than consistent elevation at rest. Home monitoring over 1–2 weeks gives your doctor more meaningful data than one clinic visit.