Can one blood pressure reading diagnose hypertension?

No. A diagnosis usually depends on repeated measurements, home or ambulatory readings, technique, symptoms and clinician review.

MAP is mean arterial pressure, a rough estimate of average arterial pressure during a cardiac cycle. It is shown for context and is not a treatment target by itself.

Why can home readings differ from office readings?

Caffeine, exercise, smoking, stress, talking, crossed legs, unsupported arms, cuff size and white-coat effect can all change the reading.

Blood Pressure Calculator

Classify a blood pressure reading using AHA/ACC adult categories and calculate MAP, pulse pressure and rate-pressure product for a home blood pressure log.

Systolic pressure, mmHg

Diastolic pressure, mmHg

Pulse, bpm

Guideline framing

Measurement setting

Home: how to read this result

Home readings are usually interpreted as a pattern across several measurements. A single reading is not a diagnosis; blood pressure categories are interpreted from repeated measurements and clinical context.

What this blood pressure calculator does

Enter systolic and diastolic blood pressure to see the AHA/ACC adult category for a single reading. The result is for logging and education, not a diagnosis. A clinician uses repeated readings, home monitoring, symptoms and overall risk.

MAP = D B P + \frac{S B P - D B P}{3}

Mean arterial pressure estimate from systolic and diastolic pressure.

PP = S B P - D B P

Pulse pressure is the difference between systolic and diastolic readings.

Do not diagnose or self-treat from one reading

If blood pressure is around 180/120 mm Hg or higher, especially with chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, numbness, vision or speech changes, confusion or severe headache, seek urgent medical help.

AHA/ACC adult blood pressure categories

Category	Systolic	Diastolic
Normal	< 120
Elevated	120 to 129
Stage 1 hypertension	130 to 139	or 80 to 89
Stage 2 hypertension	>= 140
Severe range	>= 180

Use proper measurement technique: rest first, keep feet flat, support the arm at heart level, use a correctly sized cuff and take at least two readings one or two minutes apart.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources and References

Calculations are based on the listed reference sources. Links open in a new tab.

Updated: June 2, 2026

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