Blood Pressure Chart & Checker
Last updated: 2026-06-25
Normal blood pressure is systolic below 120 mmHg and diastolic below 80 mmHg. Enter your systolic and diastolic readings and the tool classifies them as normal, elevated, prehypertension, or hypertension stage 1 or 2.
If systolic and diastolic fall into different stages, the higher (worse) stage is used. Results are for reference only, not a diagnosis.
Enter your blood pressure
Blood pressure category
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This result is a reference category for a single reading, not a diagnosis. Hypertension is confirmed by a clinician after several readings on different days. For authoritative criteria see the American Heart Association.
How to use
- Enter systolic pressure — type your systolic reading (the higher number) in mmHg.
- Enter diastolic pressure — type your diastolic reading (the lower number) in mmHg.
- View the result — press Check to see the category (normal, elevated, prehypertension or hypertension stage) and an explanation.
Normal blood pressure and category thresholds
Blood pressure is shown as two numbers: the pressure when the heart contracts (systolic) and when it relaxes (diastolic). The unit is mmHg, usually written as "120/80" (systolic/diastolic). The chart below shows widely used office blood pressure categories. The stage is set by whichever of systolic or diastolic is higher (worse).
| Category | Systolic (mmHg) | Link | Diastolic (mmHg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal | below 120 | and | below 80 |
| Elevated | 120-129 | and | below 80 |
| Prehypertension | 130-139 | or | 80-89 |
| Hypertension stage 1 | 140-159 | or | 90-99 |
| Hypertension stage 2 | 160 or higher | or | 100 or higher |
Low blood pressure is generally systolic below 90 mmHg or diastolic below 60 mmHg, and whether symptoms (dizziness, fainting) are present matters. Also, systolic 180 mmHg or higher, or diastolic 120 mmHg or higher, together with chest pain, shortness of breath or vision changes, may be a hypertensive crisis that needs emergency care.
A single reading cannot settle the matter. Correct measurement matters: rest 5 minutes first, sit with back supported and arm at heart level, and avoid caffeine and smoking for 30 minutes beforehand. To learn more about normal blood pressure and blood sugar, see the Normal blood pressure & blood sugar at a glance guide.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What is a normal blood pressure reading?
A normal blood pressure is systolic below 120 mmHg and diastolic below 80 mmHg. Systolic 120-129 with diastolic below 80 is elevated, and systolic 130-139 or diastolic 80-89 is classified as the next (prehypertension) stage.
What if systolic and diastolic fall into different categories?
When systolic and diastolic fall into different stages, the higher (worse) stage is used. For example, systolic 118 (normal) with diastolic 92 (stage 1) is read as stage 1 hypertension.
Does one high reading mean I have hypertension?
No. Blood pressure varies with time of day, posture and stress. A hypertension diagnosis is usually made by a clinician based on several readings taken on different days. This tool gives a reference category for a single reading, not a diagnosis.
Why is home blood pressure different from the clinic?
Some people read high only at the clinic (white-coat hypertension) or only at home (masked hypertension). Home readings usually use a slightly lower threshold (135/85 mmHg), so the measurement setting matters when interpreting numbers.
Can blood pressure be too low?
Generally, systolic below 90 mmHg or diastolic below 60 mmHg is considered low. Without symptoms it may not be a problem, but if it comes with dizziness, fainting or fatigue, see a healthcare professional.
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Last updated: 2026-06-25