What's systolic vs diastolic?
Systolic (top) is pressure when heart contracts; diastolic (bottom) is pressure when heart relaxes.
Health Fitness
Blood Pressure Category Calculator
Calculate blood pressure category with your details.
Personalized estimate
Use realistic inputs for the most useful results.
What this calculator does
Blood pressure is force of blood against artery walls, measured in mmHg with systolic (heart beating) and diastolic (heart relaxing) numbers. Categories help identify cardiovascular health status.
How it works
The calculator compares your readings against established thresholds. If numbers fall in different categories, the higher category applies.
Formula
Normal: <120/<80. Elevated: 120-129/<80. Stage 1: 130-139 or 80-89. Stage 2: ≥140 or ≥90. Crisis: >180 or >120.
Tips for using this calculator
- Take multiple readings over several weeks
- Avoid caffeine and exercise 30 min before measuring
- Use validated monitor with proper cuff size
- Stage 1 often responds to lifestyle changes
- Readings over 180/120 require emergency care
Frequently asked questions
Why does BP change throughout the day?
Fluctuates based on stress, activity, caffeine, sleep, sodium, and time of day.
Can lifestyle lower blood pressure?
Yes. Exercise 150 min/week lowers BP 5-7 mmHg. Losing 10% body weight reduces 5-20 mmHg.