Heart Rate Calculator: Resting Pulse and Exercise Zones
Your heart rate is the number of times your heart beats per minute (BPM). For most adults at rest, a normal heart rate is 60-100 BPM, and 72 BPM is a classic typical value. This calculator checks your resting pulse and estimates target zones for exercise using the CDC method based on age.
How to Measure Your Pulse
Sit quietly for 5 minutes. Place two fingers on the inside of your wrist below the thumb. Count beats for 30 seconds and multiply by 2. Note whether the rhythm feels regular.
Understanding the Results
Estimated maximum heart rate is 220 minus your age. CDC describes moderate-intensity activity as 64-76% of maximum and vigorous activity as 77-93%. These are estimates for healthy adults. If you have heart disease or take medicines such as beta-blockers, ask your doctor for personal targets.
What Affects Heart Rate
Heart rate rises with exercise, fever, dehydration, caffeine, nicotine, stress, pain and some medicines, and falls with fitness, sleep and medicines such as beta-blockers. Measure at rest, ideally in the morning before coffee, and compare readings over several days.
When to See a Doctor
- Resting rate repeatedly above 100 or below 50 with symptoms.
- Irregular, racing or pounding heartbeat (palpitations).
- Chest pain, fainting or breathlessness - call emergency services.
Related: heart attack warning signs, anxiety and palpitations and blood pressure tracker.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a normal resting heart rate?
60 to 100 beats per minute for most adults; around 72 BPM is typical.
Is a heart rate of 55 bad?
Not necessarily. Fit people often have rates in the 50s. See a doctor if a low rate comes with dizziness, fainting or breathlessness.
How accurate is 220 minus age?
It is a rough estimate of maximum heart rate; real values vary by 10-20 BPM between people.
Recommended Home Health Tools
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, ghkh.site earns from qualifying purchases. This does not change the price you pay or our editorial choices. Links go to Amazon.com search results; we do not list prices or ratings because they change often. Devices support home monitoring and do not replace a doctor.