Blood Pressure Category Calculator
Enter systolic and diastolic blood pressure to classify the reading and estimate pulse pressure and mean arterial pressure.
Results
This calculator is for general education only. It does not diagnose hypertension, low blood pressure, or any medical condition. If a reading is very high, repeat it after resting; if it remains high or symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, vision changes, or difficulty speaking occur, seek urgent medical help.
Use this Blood Pressure Category Calculator to classify an adult blood pressure reading and calculate pulse pressure and estimated mean arterial pressure (MAP).
Important: A single reading cannot diagnose hypertension. Blood pressure diagnosis should be based on properly measured readings and healthcare-professional assessment.
Blood Pressure Categories
- Normal: systolic below 120 and diastolic below 80 mmHg
- Elevated: systolic 120–129 and diastolic below 80 mmHg
- Stage 1 hypertension: systolic 130–139 or diastolic 80–89 mmHg
- Stage 2 hypertension: systolic 140 or higher or diastolic 90 or higher
- Severe hypertension: systolic above 180 and/or diastolic above 120 mmHg
When systolic and diastolic values fall into different categories, the higher category is used.
Calculation Method
Pulse pressure = systolic − diastolic
MAP ≈ diastolic + (pulse pressure ÷ 3)
Equivalent MAP formula:
MAP ≈ (systolic + 2 × diastolic) ÷ 3
Example
For a blood pressure reading of 134/84 mmHg:
134 systolic falls within the Stage 1 range, and 84 diastolic also falls within the Stage 1 range.
Pulse pressure = 134 − 84 = 50 mmHg
MAP ≈ 84 + (50 ÷ 3) = 100.7 mmHg
The reading is therefore classified as Stage 1 hypertension range. This classification alone is not a diagnosis.
Important Safety Note
If blood pressure is above 180/120 mmHg, wait at least one minute and measure again. If it remains that high and you have symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, numbness, vision changes, back pain, or difficulty speaking, seek emergency medical care immediately.