Blood Pressure Calculator
Enter a reading and instantly see your category by AHA 2017 (US) or ESC/ESH 2018 (Europe) — plus pulse pressure and mean arterial pressure (MAP).
Guideline
How each guideline categorises your reading
All values in mmHg. The classifier picks the higher of the two numbers when they fall in different categories.
AHA 2017 (United States)
| Category | Systolic | Diastolic |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | < 120 | and < 80 |
| Elevated | 120–129 | and < 80 |
| Stage 1 | 130–139 | or 80–89 |
| Stage 2 | ≥ 140 | or ≥ 90 |
| Crisis | > 180 | or > 120 |
ESC/ESH 2018 (Europe)
| Category | Systolic | Diastolic |
|---|---|---|
| Optimal | < 120 | and < 80 |
| Normal | 120–129 | or 80–84 |
| High-Normal | 130–139 | or 85–89 |
| Grade 1 | 140–159 | or 90–99 |
| Grade 2 | 160–179 | or 100–109 |
| Grade 3 | ≥ 180 | or ≥ 110 |
What pulse pressure and MAP mean
Pulse pressure
Pulse pressure is simply systolic minus diastolic. A reading of 130/80 has a pulse pressure of 50 mmHg. Most healthy adults sit between 30 and 60 mmHg. A pulse pressure consistently above 60 — especially after age 60 — can suggest arterial stiffness and is independently associated with cardiovascular risk.
Mean arterial pressure (MAP)
MAP estimates the average pressure your organs see across the full heartbeat. The rule-of-thumb formula is diastolic + (systolic − diastolic) ÷ 3. A MAP of 70–100 mmHg is generally considered adequate to perfuse vital organs. Clinicians watch MAP closely in critical-care and surgical contexts.
When to take these to your clinician
One reading is just a snapshot. To get a meaningful trend, measure twice daily for one to two weeks (morning before medication, evening before bed) and bring the averages — not isolated values — to your appointment. Cardilog can do this for you automatically and export a doctor-ready PDF. Read more about understanding blood pressure readings or browse the full blood pressure chart.
When to seek medical care now
Call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room if your reading is above 180/120 mmHg AND you have any of these symptoms:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Shortness of breath
- Sudden weakness, numbness, or trouble speaking
- Vision changes
- Severe headache or confusion
If your reading is above 180/120 with no symptoms, rest five minutes, measure again, and contact your clinician promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a blood pressure calculator do?
A blood pressure calculator takes your systolic (top) and diastolic (bottom) numbers and tells you which category they fall into — Normal, Elevated, Stage 1, Stage 2, or Crisis under AHA 2017, or Optimal, Normal, High-Normal, Grade 1–3 under ESC/ESH 2018. It also computes pulse pressure and mean arterial pressure (MAP) so you can see the full picture from a single reading.
What's the difference between AHA and ESC blood pressure guidelines?
The American Heart Association (AHA 2017) defines hypertension as 130/80 mmHg or higher and uses two stages. The European Society of Cardiology (ESC/ESH 2018) defines hypertension as 140/90 mmHg or higher and uses three grades. Both are widely accepted; AHA flags risk earlier, while ESC's threshold matches what most other countries use. Your clinician will tell you which standard they apply.
Is 135/85 considered high blood pressure?
Under AHA 2017, 135/85 mmHg is Stage 1 hypertension. Under ESC/ESH 2018, it is High-Normal. Either way, it is above the optimal range and worth tracking. A single reading is not a diagnosis — measure twice daily for one to two weeks and discuss the trend with your clinician.
What is pulse pressure and why does it matter?
Pulse pressure is the difference between your systolic and diastolic numbers (e.g. 130 − 80 = 50 mmHg). A pulse pressure consistently above 60 mmHg in older adults can indicate stiff arteries and higher cardiovascular risk. A very low pulse pressure (under 30 mmHg) can suggest reduced cardiac output. Pulse pressure adds context that the two numbers alone do not.
What is mean arterial pressure (MAP)?
Mean arterial pressure is the average pressure in your arteries during one full heartbeat. The standard estimate is MAP = diastolic + (systolic − diastolic) ÷ 3. A healthy MAP is typically 70–100 mmHg. MAP is what clinicians watch in critical-care settings because it tells them whether organs are getting enough blood flow.
Can a calculator diagnose hypertension?
No. A calculator categorises a single reading. Hypertension is diagnosed by your clinician based on multiple readings taken on different days, often paired with home monitoring or 24-hour ambulatory monitoring. Use this calculator to understand your numbers — not to replace medical care.
Medical Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Categories are based on the American Heart Association (AHA 2017) and European Society of Cardiology / European Society of Hypertension (ESC/ESH 2018) guidelines. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your personal health situation.