Blood Pressure Category Checker
See which American Heart Association category your reading falls into
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Quick summary
Enter your systolic (top) and diastolic (bottom) numbers to see your blood pressure category per the American Heart Association: Normal (below 120/80), Elevated (120–129 and below 80), Hypertension Stage 1 (130–139 or 80–89), Stage 2 (140+ or 90+), or Hypertensive Crisis (above 180 or 120). The higher of the two numbers determines your category. A single reading isn't a diagnosis — track trends over time and consult your doctor.
Reviewed by Simple Calculators TeamLast reviewed
For information only — not medical advice. Results are estimates from published formulas and can't account for your health history. Talk to a doctor or other qualified clinician before making health decisions.
How to use this calculator
- Enter the inputs requested by the calculator.
- Choose the units or options that match your situation and review the assumptions.
- Run or update the calculation to see the result.
- Review the result, breakdown, and formulas shown on the page.
- Check the inputs, units, dates, and limitations before saving or sharing the result.
Frequently asked questions
What do the two blood pressure numbers mean?
The top number (systolic) is the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats; the bottom number (diastolic) is the pressure between beats when the heart rests. Both matter — your category is set by whichever number falls into the higher range.
What is a normal blood pressure?
Per the American Heart Association, normal is below 120/80 mmHg. 120–129 over less than 80 is 'elevated,' 130–139 or 80–89 is Stage 1 hypertension, 140+ or 90+ is Stage 2, and above 180 or 120 is a hypertensive crisis needing prompt medical attention.
Which number is more important, systolic or diastolic?
Both are important, and either being high places you in a higher category. In older adults, systolic (the top number) is often the stronger predictor of cardiovascular risk. This checker tells you which of your two numbers is driving your category.
Is one high reading a problem?
Not necessarily — blood pressure naturally varies with stress, caffeine, activity, and time of day. A diagnosis of hypertension is based on multiple readings over time, not a single measurement. Use this tool to understand a reading, and see your doctor for consistent high numbers.
Key terms
- Systolic
- The top number — arterial pressure during a heartbeat.
- Diastolic
- The bottom number — pressure between heartbeats.
- Hypertension
- Persistently high blood pressure (Stage 1 or 2).
- Hypertensive Crisis
- Above 180/120 — seek medical care promptly.
Methodology, sources & limitations
This page shows the formula, assumptions, and limitations used for this estimate. Rates, thresholds, and other time-sensitive inputs can change, so verify them against the relevant official source before relying on a result.
For our review approach and the primary sources we consult, see the methodology and source policy. If you spot an outdated figure or formula, please contact us with a correction.