About the Blood Pressure Category Checker
A blood pressure reading has two numbers: the top one, systolic, is the pressure in your arteries when the heart beats, and the bottom one, diastolic, is the pressure between beats. This checker takes a reading in mmHg and tells you which category it falls into on the widely used 2017 American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association chart: normal, elevated, stage 1 high, stage 2 high or a hypertensive crisis. It also gives the pulse pressure and the mean arterial pressure. It is an information tool for understanding home readings. It cannot diagnose anything and does not replace a doctor.
Updated October 2026
How to use the Blood Pressure Category Checker
- 1Rest quietly for five minutes, sitting with your back supported and your feet flat.
- 2Take your reading with a validated upper-arm monitor.
- 3Type the top (systolic) and bottom (diastolic) numbers into the boxes.
- 4Read the category and the extra figures for pulse pressure and mean arterial pressure.
- 5Repeat on other days and share the log with your doctor.
Getting a reliable reading
Home readings are only useful when they are taken the same way each time. Sit quietly for five minutes, keep your arm at heart level, use the right cuff size and avoid caffeine, exercise or smoking for 30 minutes beforehand.
Take two readings a minute apart in the morning and two in the evening for a week, and use the average.
The ACC/AHA categories at a glance
- Normal: under 120 and under 80.
- Elevated: 120 to 129 and under 80.
- Stage 1: 130 to 139, or 80 to 89.
- Stage 2: 140 or higher, or 90 or higher.
- Crisis: above 180 and/or above 120, needing urgent attention.
Living with higher readings
Lifestyle steps can lower blood pressure by several points: less salt, more fruit and vegetables, regular activity, a healthy weight, moderate alcohol and good sleep. Some people also need medicine, and that is a decision for you and your doctor.
For related checks see the BMI Calculator and the Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator, and the Max Heart Rate Calculator if you train.
Features
- Categories from the 2017 ACC/AHA guideline
- Warns about readings in the crisis range
- Flags low readings that should be checked
- Pulse pressure and mean arterial pressure
- Checks that the two numbers make sense
- No data stored or sent anywhere
Frequently asked questions
What is a normal blood pressure?
Under the ACC/AHA chart, normal is below 120 for the top number and below 80 for the bottom. Readings of 120 to 129 over less than 80 are called elevated. From 130/80 upward the chart uses the terms stage 1 and stage 2 high blood pressure.
Which number matters more, top or bottom?
Both matter. In older adults the top number tends to be the stronger warning sign, while in younger adults a high bottom number is common. The category here follows whichever number is higher on the chart, which is how doctors classify it.
Why do doctors use different charts?
European and some national guidelines set the threshold for high blood pressure at 140/90 rather than 130/80. Both are in use. Your doctor will decide which applies to you, so use this tool for understanding, not for self-diagnosis.
What should I do if my reading is very high?
A reading above 180/120 should be rechecked after a few minutes of rest. If it is still that high and you have chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness or trouble speaking, call emergency services. Without symptoms, contact a doctor the same day.
What is pulse pressure?
It is the gap between the top and bottom numbers. A gap of about 40 mmHg is typical. A persistently wide gap, especially in older adults, can point to stiff arteries, so mention it to your doctor if it is often above 60.
What is mean arterial pressure?
It is a weighted average of the pressure during a heartbeat, roughly the bottom number plus a third of the pulse pressure. Hospitals use it to check that organs get enough blood flow. A value of 70 to 100 mmHg is usually considered fine.