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MAP Calculator

Calculate mean arterial pressure (MAP) and pulse pressure from a blood pressure reading, with the usual normal ranges.

Enter the two numbers of a blood pressure reading, the systolic (top) and diastolic (bottom) pressure, and the calculator shows the mean arterial pressure (MAP), the average pressure in your arteries during one heartbeat, and the pulse pressure, the difference between the two numbers. Each is compared with the usual range for a resting adult.

MAP is widely used in hospitals because it describes how well blood reaches the organs, and pulse pressure gives a clue about how stiff the arteries are. The calculator uses the standard bedside formula.

How to use MAP Calculator

  1. Enter the systolic (top) number in mmHg.
  2. Enter the diastolic (bottom) number.
  3. Read the mean arterial pressure and the pulse pressure.
  4. Compare with the examples and the ranges below.

Features

  • Mean arterial pressure from a blood pressure reading
  • Pulse pressure
  • Normal, low and high ranges
  • Worked examples
  • Checks that the numbers make sense
  • Runs in your browser; nothing is stored or sent

The MAP formula

The heart spends about one third of each beat contracting (systole) and two thirds relaxing (diastole), so the average pressure is closer to the diastolic number. The bedside formula is MAP = diastolic + (systolic − diastolic) ÷ 3, which is the same as (2 × diastolic + systolic) ÷ 3. For a reading of 120/80 mmHg, MAP = 80 + 40 ÷ 3 ≈ 93.3 mmHg. At fast heart rates the relaxing phase is shorter and the true average is a little higher; hospital monitors measure MAP directly from the pressure wave.

Blood pressureMAPPulse pressure
120/8093.3 mmHg40 mmHg
140/90106.7 mmHg50 mmHg
90/6070.0 mmHg30 mmHg
160/70100.0 mmHg90 mmHg
110/9096.7 mmHg20 mmHg

Normal MAP

In a healthy resting adult MAP is usually between about 70 and 100 mmHg. The organs need a MAP of at least about 60 to 65 mmHg to receive enough blood, which is why intensive care teams treating shock or sepsis often aim to keep MAP at 65 mmHg or more. A persistently high MAP reflects high blood pressure and adds strain on the heart, brain and kidneys over time.

Pulse pressure

Pulse pressure is simply systolic minus diastolic, about 40 mmHg at 120/80. A pulse pressure above about 60 mmHg is called wide; it becomes common with age as the large arteries stiffen, and it is linked to a higher risk of heart disease. It can also be wide with a leaky aortic valve, an overactive thyroid, anaemia or fever. A pulse pressure that is less than a quarter of the systolic pressure is called narrow and can occur when the heart pumps less blood, for example in heart failure, blood loss or a narrowed aortic valve.

Measuring blood pressure well

Sit quietly for five minutes with your back supported, feet flat on the floor and arm resting at heart level. Use a cuff of the right size on bare skin, do not talk, and avoid caffeine, smoking and exercise for 30 minutes before. Take two or three readings a minute apart and use the average. A single high or low reading is not a diagnosis.

Related tools

To see which blood pressure category a reading falls into, normal, elevated or stage 1 or 2 high blood pressure, and to average several readings, use the Blood Pressure Checker. For heart training zones, use the Target Heart Rate Calculator. If your MAP or pulse pressure is often outside the usual range, or you feel dizzy, faint or short of breath, see a doctor.

Frequently asked questions

How do I calculate mean arterial pressure?

MAP = diastolic + (systolic − diastolic) ÷ 3. For 120/80 that is 80 + 40 ÷ 3 ≈ 93 mmHg.

What is a normal MAP?

About 70 to 100 mmHg in a resting adult. Below about 65 mmHg the organs may not get enough blood.

What is pulse pressure?

Systolic minus diastolic pressure. About 40 mmHg is typical; above 60 is wide and under a quarter of the systolic is narrow.

Why is MAP closer to the bottom number?

Because the heart spends about two thirds of each beat relaxing, when the pressure is near the diastolic value.

Is the formula exact?

It is a good estimate at normal heart rates. Hospital monitors measure MAP directly.

Is my data saved?

No. Everything is calculated in your browser.

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