Enter your systolic and diastolic reading to instantly see your blood pressure category, risk level, and Mean Arterial Pressure — based on current AHA guidelines.
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This tool is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If your reading is in the hypertensive crisis range, seek medical attention immediately.
Blood pressure is one of the few health numbers you can check in seconds, at home, with no special training. Here's how to read your own reading, what the categories actually mean, and when a number is worth a call to your doctor.
A blood pressure reading has two numbers. Systolic pressure (the top number) measures the force in your arteries when your heart beats. Diastolic pressure (the bottom number) measures the force when your heart rests between beats. A reading of 118/76 means a systolic pressure of 118 mmHg and a diastolic pressure of 76 mmHg.
| Category | Systolic | Diastolic | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal | Less than 120 | and | Less than 80 |
| Elevated | 120-129 | and | Less than 80 |
| Hypertension Stage 1 | 130-139 | or | 80-89 |
| Hypertension Stage 2 | 140 or higher | or | 90 or higher |
| Hypertensive Crisis | Higher than 180 | and/or | Higher than 120 |
Source: American Heart Association
Mean Arterial Pressure is the average pressure in your arteries across one full heartbeat cycle. Since your heart spends more time resting (diastole) than contracting (systole), MAP is calculated as diastolic pressure plus one-third of your pulse pressure (the gap between systolic and diastolic): MAP = DBP + ⅓(SBP − DBP). A healthy MAP generally falls between 70 and 100 mmHg — clinicians watch this number closely because it reflects how well blood is actually reaching your organs, not just the peak pressure during a heartbeat.
Blood pressure categories reflect the American Heart Association's classification system. Mean Arterial Pressure is calculated using the standard clinical formula (DBP + ⅓ pulse pressure).
Below 120/80 mmHg is considered normal by the American Heart Association. 120-129 systolic with diastolic under 80 is classified as elevated.
Hypertension Stage 1 is 130-139 systolic or 80-89 diastolic. Stage 2 is 140/90 or higher. Above 180/120 is a hypertensive crisis requiring immediate medical attention.
MAP is the average pressure in your arteries during one full heartbeat cycle, calculated as diastolic + one-third of (systolic minus diastolic). A healthy MAP is generally 70-100 mmHg.
No. Blood pressure fluctuates due to stress, activity, caffeine, and posture. A hypertension diagnosis requires multiple elevated readings over time, confirmed by a healthcare provider.
Systolic (top number) is the pressure when your heart beats. Diastolic (bottom number) is the pressure when your heart rests between beats.