See what a blood pressure reading means. This free tool shows which standard AHA category your systolic and diastolic numbers fall into, with age context — informational only, not a diagnosis.
⚠ Informational only — this is not a diagnosis. A single reading can’t assess your health, and readings vary through the day. If you’re concerned about your blood pressure, please see a healthcare professional.
Your reading
mmHg
mmHg
yrs
For a meaningful picture, take several readings at rest on different days, and follow your clinician’s guidance.
Reading category
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Enter your systolic and diastolic
Your reading
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Systolic
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Diastolic
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Age context
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Categories follow common American Heart Association ranges for adults. Healthy targets are individual and your doctor may set different goals based on your health.
Use this free blood pressure by age calculator to see which category a reading falls into, using common American Heart Association ranges. Enter your systolic and diastolic numbers for an at-a-glance, informational interpretation.
Important: this tool is informational only and is not a diagnosis. A single reading can’t tell you whether you have high or low blood pressure — readings change throughout the day and with activity, stress and posture. Always discuss your blood pressure with a healthcare professional.
What this blood pressure calculator shows you
A blood pressure calculator takes your two numbers — systolic (the top number, pressure when the heart beats) and diastolic (the bottom number, pressure at rest between beats) — and shows which standard category the reading falls in, from normal through the hypertension stages.
Blood pressure categories (adults)
Category
Systolic
Diastolic
Normal
Below 120
and
Below 80
Elevated
120–129
and
Below 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
A hypertensive-crisis reading needs urgent medical attention. These ranges are for adults; children use age-, sex- and height-based percentiles instead.
Does normal blood pressure change with age?
It’s common for blood pressure to drift upward with age as arteries stiffen, which is why people often search “blood pressure by age.” But the category ranges above apply to all adults — a higher reading isn’t automatically “normal for your age.” Your clinician may set an individual target based on your overall health.
How to take an accurate reading
Rest quietly for 5 minutes before measuring.
Sit with your back supported and feet flat, arm at heart level.
Avoid caffeine, exercise and smoking for 30 minutes beforehand.
Take two or three readings a minute apart, on several days, and share them with your clinician.
Blood pressure terms glossary
Term
What it means
Systolic
Pressure when the heart beats (top number).
Diastolic
Pressure between beats (bottom number).
mmHg
Millimetres of mercury, the unit of measurement.
Hypertension
Persistently raised blood pressure.
Blood Pressure FAQ
What is a normal blood pressure?
For adults, a reading below 120/80 mmHg is considered normal. 120–129 over below 80 is elevated, and 130/80 or higher falls into the hypertension stages. These are general guidelines, not a diagnosis.
Does normal blood pressure increase with age?
Blood pressure often rises with age as arteries stiffen, but the standard categories apply to all adults. A higher reading isn't automatically "normal for your age" — your doctor interprets it in the context of your health.
What do the two blood pressure numbers mean?
The top (systolic) number is the pressure when your heart beats; the bottom (diastolic) is the pressure between beats. Both matter, and a reading falls into the higher-risk category if either number qualifies.
Can one reading tell me if I have high blood pressure?
No. Blood pressure varies through the day and with stress and activity. Diagnosis needs multiple readings over time, taken correctly, and a clinician's assessment — not a single number.
What is a hypertensive crisis?
A reading higher than 180/120 mmHg may indicate a hypertensive crisis and needs urgent medical attention, especially with symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath or vision changes.
Is the blood pressure tool free to use?
Yes, this blood pressure tool is completely free, needs no sign-up, and gives instant results in your browser. It is informational only and not a substitute for medical advice.
