# What is my blood pressure category?

Finds the adult blood pressure category (normal, elevated, stage 1 or stage 2 hypertension) from one to three readings, by the ACC/AHA guideline.

- Page: https://www.acalculator.org/health/blood-pressure-calculator
- JSON spec: https://www.acalculator.org/health/blood-pressure-calculator.json
- Version: c6b707303d9f

## Default answer

Example with the default inputs (Systolic (top number) 118, Diastolic (bottom number) 76): A blood pressure of 118/76 mmHg is Normal.

## Inputs

| Key | Label | Description |
| --- | --- | --- |
| sys | Systolic (top number) | The systolic pressure of the reading, in mmHg. |
| dia | Diastolic (bottom number) | The diastolic pressure of the reading, in mmHg. |
| sys2 | Second reading: systolic | The systolic pressure of a second reading, in mmHg. |
| dia2 | Second reading: diastolic | The diastolic pressure of a second reading, in mmHg. |
| sys3 | Third reading: systolic | The systolic pressure of a third reading, in mmHg. |
| dia3 | Third reading: diastolic | The diastolic pressure of a third reading, in mmHg. |

## Outputs

| Key | Label | Description |
| --- | --- | --- |
| category | Blood pressure category | The higher of the systolic and diastolic categories: normal, elevated, stage 1 hypertension or stage 2 hypertension. |
| sysAvg | Systolic | The systolic pressure, averaged over the readings and rounded half up to a whole mmHg. |
| diaAvg | Diastolic | The diastolic pressure, averaged over the readings and rounded half up to a whole mmHg. |
| readings | Readings averaged | How many readings the category is based on. |
| severe | Note | Shown when the average is above 180 systolic or 120 diastolic, the severe range in the guideline. |

## Method

Average the readings and round half up to whole mmHg; systolic: under 120 normal, 120 to 129 elevated, 130 to 139 stage 1, 140 and over stage 2; diastolic: under 80 normal, 80 to 89 stage 1, 90 and over stage 2; the category is the higher of the two.

## Assumptions

- The categories are those of the 2017 ACC/AHA guideline for adults, which the 2025 AHA/ACC guideline kept.
- The guideline classifies the average of two or more readings taken on two or more occasions; one reading is a snapshot, not a diagnosis.
- This is not medical advice. Talk to a health care provider about your readings.

## Worked examples

1. sys = 118, dia = 76 gives category = Normal, sysAvg = 118, diaAvg = 76, readings = 1. Source: 2017 ACC/AHA guideline, Table 6: normal is systolic under 120 and diastolic under 80.
2. sys = 124, dia = 78 gives category = Elevated. Source: 2017 ACC/AHA guideline, Table 6: elevated is systolic 120 to 129 and diastolic under 80.
3. sys = 128, dia = 84 gives category = Stage 1 hypertension. Source: 2017 ACC/AHA guideline, Table 6 and its note: a person in two categories is in the higher one.
4. sys = 132, dia = 78, sys2 = 127, dia2 = 80, sys3 = 130, dia3 = 79 gives sysAvg = 130, diaAvg = 79, readings = 3, category = Stage 1 hypertension. Source: 2017 ACC/AHA guideline: classify the average of the readings.
5. sys = 185, dia = 95 gives category = Stage 2 hypertension, severe = Above 180/120 mmHg, the severe range in the guideline. Measure again after a rest and talk to a health care provider.. Source: 2017 ACC/AHA guideline (stage 2 is 140/90 and over); 2025 AHA/ACC guideline (severe above 180/120).

## FAQ

### What are the blood pressure categories?

For adults, the ACC/AHA guideline uses four: normal (under 120 and under 80), elevated (120 to 129 and under 80), stage 1 hypertension (130 to 139 or 80 to 89) and stage 2 hypertension (140 or more, or 90 or more). The 2025 AHA/ACC guideline kept these categories.

### My top and bottom numbers are in different categories. Which counts?

The higher one. For example, 128/84 has an elevated systolic number and a stage 1 diastolic number, so the category is stage 1 hypertension.

### Why enter more than one reading?

Blood pressure changes from minute to minute. The guideline bases the category on the average of at least two readings taken on at least two occasions. This calculator averages the readings you enter and rounds the average to a whole number.

### Is 180/120 an emergency?

The 2025 guideline calls readings above 180/120 severe hypertension and asks for the measurement to be repeated. Rest a few minutes and measure again. If it stays that high, contact a health care provider now. Symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness or trouble speaking need emergency care.

### How should I measure my blood pressure at home?

Sit quietly for 5 minutes with your back supported, feet flat and arm resting at heart level, with the cuff on bare skin. Do not smoke, exercise or have caffeine for 30 minutes before. Take two readings a minute apart.

### Does this apply to children or pregnancy?

No. Children and teens use blood pressure percentiles for their age, sex and height, and pregnancy has its own thresholds. This calculator is for adults.

## Sources

- Whelton PK, Carey RM, Aronow WS, et al. 2017 ACC/AHA/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/AGS/APhA/ASH/ASPC/NMA/PCNA Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults. Hypertension. 2018;71(6):e13-e115 (Table 6, categories of BP in adults). https://doi.org/10.1161/HYP.0000000000000065
- Jones DW, Ferdinand KC, Taler SJ, et al. 2025 AHA/ACC/AANP/AAPA/ABC/ACCP/ACPM/AGS/AMA/ASPC/NMA/PCNA/SGIM Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults. Circulation. 2025;152(11):e114-e218. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001356
- Giacona JM, Vongpatanasin W. The 2025 AHA/ACC Hypertension Guidelines: key updates, historical context, and clinical implications. Curr Cardiol Rep. 2026;28:90 (the 2025 guideline keeps the 2017 categories; severe hypertension is above 180 and/or 120 mmHg). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-026-02413-0