HEALTH · BLOOD PRESSURE
Blood Pressure Calculator
Check your blood pressure reading against the ACC/AHA 2017 guidelines. Enter your systolic and diastolic numbers to find your category — Normal, Elevated, Stage 1, Stage 2, or Crisis.
High blood pressure — Stage 1. Consult a healthcare provider.
About This Calculator
Enter your blood pressure reading to see how it compares to the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association 2017 guidelines. The calculator classifies readings into five categories — from Normal to Hypertensive Crisis — so you can understand what your numbers mean.
How It Works
Blood pressure is reported as systolic (the pressure when the heart beats) over diastolic (the pressure between beats). The calculator compares your reading to the ACC/AHA 2017 thresholds for each category and returns your classification along with a plain-language description.
The Formula
Normal: systolic < 120 AND diastolic < 80. Elevated: systolic 120–129 AND diastolic < 80. Stage 1: systolic 130–139 OR diastolic 80–89. Stage 2: systolic ≥ 140 OR diastolic ≥ 90. Crisis: systolic > 180 AND/OR diastolic > 120.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a normal blood pressure?
- The ACC/AHA 2017 guidelines define normal blood pressure as a systolic reading below 120 mmHg AND a diastolic reading below 80 mmHg. Blood pressure in this range is associated with the lowest cardiovascular risk.
- What is a hypertensive crisis?
- A hypertensive crisis occurs when systolic pressure exceeds 180 mmHg and/or diastolic pressure exceeds 120 mmHg. This requires immediate medical evaluation — call 911 or go to an emergency room.
- Should I use this calculator to diagnose hypertension?
- No. A single reading can vary significantly due to stress, caffeine, activity, or measurement technique. Hypertension is diagnosed by a healthcare provider based on multiple readings over time. Use this tool for informational purposes only.