Is my heart rate normal?
Enter a pulse in beats per minute and see what it means — for adults at rest, for children from newborn to 10 years, and during exercise.
Normal resting heart rate by age
| Age | Normal resting heart rate |
|---|---|
| Newborn (0–1 month) | 100–190 bpm* |
| Infant (1–11 months) | 80–160 bpm |
| Toddler (1–2 years) | 80–130 bpm |
| Preschool (3–4 years) | 80–120 bpm |
| Child (5–6 years) | 75–115 bpm |
| Child (7–9 years) | 70–110 bpm |
| 10 years and older | 60–100 bpm |
| Well-trained athletes | 40–60 bpm |
Ranges are for an awake, calm person at rest (NIH MedlinePlus; adults: American Heart Association). Sleep lowers the pulse; activity, fever, stress and caffeine raise it.
Below 60 in an adult is called bradycardia, above 100 tachycardia — neither is automatically a problem. The value pages explain when it is.
* Newborns: MedlinePlus lists 70–190 bpm. We use 100 as the lower limit, because in a newborn a heart rate below 100 needs prompt medical assessment (newborn resuscitation guidance treats under 100 as bradycardia).
Measure your pulse by tapping
Find your pulse on the inside of your wrist (below the thumb) with two fingertips. Then tap the button — or press the space bar — on every beat you feel. After about ten beats you get a reading.
Tapping is good to a few beats per minute when the rhythm is regular. If the beat feels irregular, count for a full 60 seconds instead.
Guides
Heart rate basics
Exercise & training
Quick answers
What is a normal heart rate?
For adults and children over 10, a resting heart rate of 60 to 100 beats per minute is normal. Fit people often rest in the 50s or even 40s. Babies and young children have much faster normal rates — a newborn can be anywhere from 100 to 190 bpm. (MedlinePlus lists 70–190, but in a newborn a rate below 100 needs prompt medical assessment.)
When is a heart rate dangerous?
A resting rate that stays above 100 or below 60 (without athletic training) is worth a check-up. Get urgent help for a fast or slow pulse together with chest pain, fainting, severe shortness of breath or confusion — call 911 (US) or your local emergency number.
What is the best time to measure?
In the morning, after waking and before getting up. Measure on several days and use the average. See resting heart rate.
How do I work out my maximum heart rate?
The common estimate is 220 minus your age — about 180 bpm at 40. Training zones are percentages of that number; see heart rate zones.