Blood Pressure Category Calculator
Enter your systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings to find your category: normal, elevated, or hypertension stage 1, 2, or crisis.
Understanding Blood Pressure Readings
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and expressed as two numbers:
- Systolic pressure — the top number. Pressure when your heart beats.
- Diastolic pressure — the bottom number. Pressure between heartbeats.
A reading of 120/80 mmHg is read as “120 over 80.”
AHA Blood Pressure Categories (2017 Guidelines)
| Category | Systolic | Diastolic | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal | Less than 120 | and | Less than 80 |
| Elevated | 120–129 | and | Less than 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 |
These categories are from the American Heart Association (AHA) and American College of Cardiology (ACC).
What Each Category Means
Normal (below 120/80): Maintain healthy habits.
Elevated (120–129 / less than 80): No medication needed yet, but lifestyle changes are recommended to prevent progression.
Stage 1 Hypertension (130–139 or 80–89): Lifestyle changes strongly recommended. Medication may be prescribed depending on cardiovascular risk.
Stage 2 Hypertension (140+ or 90+): Combination of lifestyle changes and medication is typically required.
Hypertensive Crisis (180+ or 120+): Seek medical attention immediately. A reading this high can cause organ damage.
Tips for Accurate Readings
- Sit quietly for 5 minutes before measuring
- Keep feet flat on the floor, arm at heart level
- Take two readings, 1 minute apart, and average them
- Avoid caffeine, exercise, and smoking for 30 minutes before measuring
- Morning readings (before medication) are most informative
Important: This calculator is for informational purposes only. Always consult a doctor for medical diagnosis and treatment decisions.
How we build and check this calculator
This calculator runs entirely in your browser, so the numbers you enter stay on your device. The math behind it is written by hand and tested against worked examples and standard references before the page goes live.
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