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Heart Rate Calculator

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Enter your resting pulse to check which category it falls into.

Heart Rate Calculator

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Category
Normal
Based on a resting reading, not measured right after activity. This is informational only, not a diagnosis.

The classification

Low (Bradycardia): under 60 bpm Normal: 60-100 bpm High (Tachycardia): over 100 bpm
Example

A resting pulse of 72 bpm falls squarely in the Normal range (60-100).

Step-by-step guide

  1. Sit or lie down quietly for at least 5 minutes before measuring - your heart rate needs time to settle to its true resting baseline.
  2. Find your pulse at your wrist (radial artery, thumb side) or neck (carotid artery), using two fingers - not your thumb, which has its own pulse.
  3. Count beats for a full 60 seconds, or count for 15 seconds and multiply by 4, then enter the result above.

Why "resting" matters for this range

The 60-100 bpm range applies specifically to a genuine resting measurement - heart rate rises predictably with activity, stress, caffeine, and even standing up, so a reading taken under any of those conditions isn't comparable to this range. The most consistent baseline is typically first thing in the morning, before getting out of bed, when the body hasn't yet responded to the day's activity or stimulants.

Common mistakes

Using your thumb to check your pulse - your thumb has its own pulse, which can make you count your own heartbeat inaccurately. Use your index and middle fingers instead.
Measuring right after coffee, a workout, or a stressful call and comparing it to the resting range - none of those readings reflect your true resting rate.

Frequently asked questions

Is a heart rate below 60 always a problem?

Not necessarily - trained athletes and very physically fit people commonly have resting rates of 40-60 bpm as a sign of cardiovascular efficiency, not a problem. Bradycardia is more of a concern when it comes with symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, or fainting.

What can cause a temporarily elevated resting heart rate?

Stress, anxiety, caffeine, dehydration, fever, and recent physical activity can all temporarily raise your resting heart rate. Measuring after sitting calmly for a few minutes gives the most accurate reading.

How do I measure my resting heart rate accurately?

Sit quietly for a few minutes first, then count your pulse (at your wrist or neck) for a full 60 seconds, or count for 15 seconds and multiply by 4. Morning, before getting out of bed, tends to give the most consistent baseline reading.

Does age affect what's considered a normal resting heart rate?

The standard 60-100 bpm adult range applies broadly across adulthood, though children and infants have notably higher normal ranges - this calculator is intended for adults.

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