Blood Pressure Category Calculator

This tool uses the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology 2017 categories. Normal is systolic below 120 and diastolic below 80. Elevated is systolic 120 to 129 and diastolic below 80. Hypertension Stage 1 is systolic 130 to 139 or diastolic 80 to 89. Hypertension Stage 2 is systolic 140 or higher or diastolic 90 or higher. Hypertensive Crisis is systolic above 180 or diastolic above 120.

Your overall category is the more severe of the two. Because the guideline uses 'or' rules, a single high number is enough to move you up. For example, 125 over 85 is Hypertension Stage 1: the systolic of 125 is only Elevated, but the diastolic of 85 is Stage 1, so Stage 1 wins. Hypertensive Crisis always takes priority.

Systolic is the top and higher number, the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. Diastolic is the bottom and lower number, the pressure between beats while your heart rests. A reading is written systolic over diastolic, such as 120 over 80 mmHg.

A reading above 180 over 120 is a medical concern. Sit, rest for five minutes and measure again. If it is still that high, or you have symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness or trouble speaking, seek emergency care right away. Otherwise contact a clinician promptly.

No. This tool is for general information and education only. It does not diagnose any condition or replace a clinician. A single reading can be affected by stress, caffeine, exercise, cuff size and timing. Always confirm with a healthcare professional before making any decision.

No. The classification runs entirely in your browser. Your blood pressure numbers are never uploaded, logged or stored.