Blood pressure chart
Normal blood pressure is below 130/85 mmHg at the doctor’s and below 125/80 at home. High blood pressure starts at 140/90 at the doctor’s and 135/85 at home. Type a reading to see where it falls.
The limits
A reading falls in the highest category that either number reaches.
| Category | At the doctor’s (mmHg) | At home (mmHg) |
|---|---|---|
| Low | under 90 or under 60 | under 90 or under 60 |
| Normal | under 130/85 | under 125/80 |
| High-normal | 130–139 or 85–89 | 125–134 or 80–84 |
| Grade 1 hypertension | 140–159 or 90–99 | 135–154 or 85–94 |
| Grade 2 hypertension | 160–179 or 100–109 | 155–174 or 95–104 |
| Grade 3 hypertension | ≥ 180 or ≥ 110 | ≥ 175 or ≥ 105 |
Questions
What is a normal blood pressure?
Below 130/85 mmHg measured at the doctor’s, and below 125/80 measured at home. Below 90/60 counts as low. High blood pressure (hypertension) starts at 140/90 at the doctor’s and 135/85 at home.
Why are the home limits lower?
Readings at home are usually a little lower than at the clinic, where many people are tenser. The European guidelines allow for that by setting the home limits 5 mmHg lower: 135/85 at home matches 140/90 at the doctor’s.
Which number matters more, the top or the bottom?
Both. A reading belongs to the highest category either number reaches, so 128/92 is grade 1 hypertension at the doctor’s because of the 92, even though 128 alone is normal.
Is normal blood pressure different with age?
No. The limits are the same for every adult. Blood pressure tends to rise with age, and a doctor may set a personal treatment target, but that does not change what counts as normal.
Why does this chart differ from American charts?
It follows the European guideline (ESH 2023) and the Danish medical handbook, as the Kairi app does. The American guideline (ACC/AHA 2017) draws the line lower and calls 130/80 stage 1 hypertension.
What should I do with a reading of 180/120?
With chest pain, shortness of breath, changes in vision, weakness or a severe headache, call emergency services now. Without symptoms, contact your doctor the same day rather than waiting.
Sources
- Lægehåndbogen: Hypertension. sundhed.dk. www.sundhed.dk/sundhedsfaglig/laegehaandbogen/hjerte-kar/tilstande-og-sygdomme/oevrige-sygdomme/hypertension/
- Mancia G, et al. 2023 ESH Guidelines for the management of arterial hypertension. J Hypertens 2023;41(12):1874–2071. doi.org/10.1097/HJH.0000000000003480
- Whelton PK, et al. 2017 ACC/AHA guideline for the prevention, detection, evaluation and management of high blood pressure in adults. Hypertension 2018;71(6):e13–e115. doi.org/10.1161/HYP.0000000000000065
More free tools
This chart shows where a reading falls. It does not diagnose: high blood pressure is diagnosed from several readings, by a doctor. Categories after ESH 2023 and the Danish medical handbook (Lægehåndbogen).
Log your readings and see the trend
The Kairi app keeps your blood pressure readings, shows the average over weeks and months, and makes a PDF for your next appointment.
