Enter your systolic and diastolic blood pressure to determine the blood pressure category according to adult blood pressure classifications.
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps blood through the body.
A blood pressure reading contains two numbers: systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure.
The systolic number represents the pressure when the heart contracts, while the diastolic number represents the pressure when the heart relaxes between beats.
Blood pressure readings can be classified into different categories based on the systolic and diastolic values.
| Category | Systolic | Diastolic |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | <120 | <80 |
| Elevated | 120–129 | <80 |
| High Blood Pressure - Stage 1 | 130–139 | 80–89 |
| High Blood Pressure - Stage 2 | ≥140 | ≥90 |
| Severe Hypertension | >180 | >120 |
The category is determined by the higher of the systolic or diastolic blood pressure values.
Accurate blood pressure measurements are important when evaluating your blood pressure.
Sit quietly for several minutes before taking the measurement and keep your back supported and your feet flat on the floor.
Keep your arm supported at heart level and use a properly fitted blood pressure cuff.
Avoid talking during the measurement and consider taking repeated readings when recommended by your healthcare professional.
A single blood pressure reading does not usually provide enough information to diagnose hypertension.
Blood pressure can vary throughout the day and may be affected by stress, activity, caffeine, medications, and other factors.
Repeated measurements taken correctly can provide a more useful picture of blood pressure over time.
If your readings are consistently high or unusually low, discuss them with a qualified healthcare professional.
High blood pressure means that blood pressure readings are repeatedly above the recommended range.
Persistently high blood pressure can increase the risk of cardiovascular and other health problems, which is why regular monitoring and medical assessment are important.
The appropriate treatment and follow-up depend on the individual reading, medical history, risk factors, and overall health.
A normal adult blood pressure reading is generally below 120 mmHg systolic and below 80 mmHg diastolic.
A reading of 120/80 mmHg has a systolic value of 120 and a diastolic value of 80. Blood pressure should be interpreted using the appropriate classification and repeated measurements when necessary.
A systolic reading of 130 mmHg or higher or a diastolic reading of 80 mmHg or higher falls into a high blood pressure category under the classification used by this calculator.
One high reading does not necessarily diagnose hypertension. However, a very high reading, especially above 180 systolic or 120 diastolic, requires attention and should be evaluated promptly, particularly when symptoms are present.
If the reading is above 180 systolic or 120 diastolic, repeat the measurement after a short rest. If the very high reading is accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness or numbness, vision changes, difficulty speaking, or other serious symptoms, seek urgent medical care.
Yes. Stress and other temporary factors can affect blood pressure readings. Repeated measurements taken under appropriate conditions can provide a more useful assessment.