Pulse Rate Chart: Normal BPM by Age, Child and Adult
Author: Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 9 Jun 2011 - Updated: 30 Aug 2026
Publication Type: Charts, Graphs, Tables
Table of Contents:
Synopsis - Definition - Overview - FAQs - Insights, Updates - Related Content
Synopsis
This reference guide provides medically-informed data on normal pulse rates across all age groups, from newborns through older adults, along with practical instructions for accurate pulse measurement at various body sites. The information proves particularly valuable for individuals managing cardiovascular conditions, seniors monitoring their health independently, and people with mobility limitations who need to track vital signs without specialized equipment. By presenting age-specific heart rate ranges in an accessible chart format and explaining measurement methods that accommodate different physical abilities, this resource enables users to better understand their cardiovascular health and recognize when consultation with healthcare providers may be warranted.
At a Glance
- 1 - A newborn in the first month of life can have a pulse ranging from 70 to 190 bpm. This wide span narrows steadily as a child grows toward adult ranges.
- 2 - Tachycardia describes a resting heart rate above 100 bpm, while bradycardia describes one below 60 bpm. Both terms help frame when a reading falls outside typical limits.
- 3 - You should avoid using your thumb when checking a pulse because the thumb has its own pulse that can be mistaken for the reading. The index, second, and third fingers give a more accurate count.
- 4 - Predicted maximum heart rate is calculated with the simple formula of 220 minus your age, so a 40 year old has a maximum near 180 bpm. The target zone for exercise typically sits between 60 and 80 percent of that maximum.
Topic Definition
- Pulse Rate (BPM)
Your pulse is defined as the rate at which your heart beats. Your pulse is usually called your heart rate, the number of times your heart beats each minute (bpm). The pulse may be palpated in any place that allows an artery to be compressed against a bone, such as at the neck (carotid artery), at the wrist (radial artery), behind the knee (popliteal artery), on the inside of the elbow (brachial artery), and near the ankle joint (posterior tibial artery). The pulse can also be measured by listening to the heartbeat directly (auscultation), traditionally using a stethoscope. You check your pulse rate by counting the beats in a set period (at least 15 to 20 seconds) and multiplying that number to get the number of beats per minute.
Overview
By checking your pulse and comparing the resulting beats per minute (BPM) using the pulse rate chart below, you can find out how well your heart is working and your general health and fitness levels.
Pulse rates vary from person to person. The normal pulse rate for humans is usually 60 to 100 beats per minute. However, there are certain medical conditions, such as cardiac arrhythmia, which may alter the normal pulse rate of an individual. Other influencing factors include your age, gender, and fitness level.
How To Check Your Pulse Rate
You can measure your pulse rate anywhere an artery comes close to the skin, such as in your wrist, neck, temple area, groin, behind the knee, or top of your foot.
- Wrist: You can check your pulse rate by placing the tips of your index, second and third fingers on the palm side of your other wrist, below the base of the thumb, or on your lower neck, on either side of your windpipe. Please do not use your thumb because it has a pulse you may feel.
- Carotid Artery: This is located in your neck, on either side of your windpipe. Be careful when checking your pulse in this location, especially if you are older than 65. If you press too hard, you may become lightheaded and dizzy.
- Heart Beat: Your pulse can also be measured by listening to the heartbeat directly (auscultation), traditionally using a stethoscope.
- Pulse Meter: Electronic pulse meters automatically check your pulse, and sometimes your blood oxygen level as well, in your finger, wrist, or chest. These devices are helpful if you have trouble measuring your pulse or wish to check your pulse while you exercise. Some exercise machines, such as treadmills, have a pulse meter built into the device.
- Beats Per Minute: Count the beats for 15 seconds and multiply this number by 4 to get your pulse per minute. Checking your pulse rates when resting, during exercises, or after it provides general information about your overall fitness level.
| Baby and Child Pulse Rate (BPM) |
|---|
| 1st month of life - 70-190 bpm |
| Between 1 and 11 Months - 80-160 bpm |
| 1 and 2 yrs - 80-130 bpm |
| 3 and 4 yrs - 80-120 bpm |
| 5 and 6 yrs - 75-115 bpm |
| Between 7 and 9 yrs - 70-110 bpm |
| 10 years of age plus - 60-100 bpm |
The chart below shows target heart rates for different ages. An adult's maximum heart rate is around 220 bpm, minus your age.
| Average Pulse Rate for Adults | ||
|---|---|---|
| Age | Target Heart Rate 50 - 85% | Average Maximum Heart Rate 100% |
| 20 years | 100-170 beats per minute | 200 beats per minute |
| 30 yrs | 95-162 bpm | 190 bpm |
| 35 yrs | 93-157 bpm | 185 bpm |
| 40 yrs | 90-153 bpm | 180 bpm |
| 45 yrs | 88-149 bpm | 175 bpm |
| 50 yrs | 85-145 bpm | 170 bpm |
| 55 yrs | 83-140 bpm | 165 bpm |
| 60 yrs | 80-136 bpm | 160 bpm |
| 65 yrs | 78-132 bpm | 155 bpm |
| 70 yrs | 75-128 bpm | 150 bpm |
Heart Rate Explanations
- Tachycardia: Means the heart is beating too fast at rest (usually over 100 beats a minute (BPM))
- Bradycardia: A heart rate that is too slow (usually below 60 beats a minute(BPM))
- Target Heart Rate: You gain the most benefits and lessen the risks when you exercise in your target heart rate zone. Usually this is when your exercise heart rate (pulse) is 60 percent to 80 percent of your maximum heart rate - (Target Heart Rate Calculator and Chart)
- Maximum Heart Rate: The maximum heart rate is the highest your pulse rate can get. To calculate your predicted maximum heart rate, use the formula: 220 - Your Age = Predicted Maximum Heart Rate
NOTE: It is recommended that a physician be consulted for advice in event of doubts or therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does caffeine affect your pulse rate
Yes, caffeine is a stimulant that can temporarily raise your heart rate for a period after consumption. People sensitive to it may notice a faster or more noticeable pulse.
What is a good resting heart rate for a trained athlete
Well conditioned athletes often have resting rates well below 60 bpm because their hearts pump blood more efficiently. Rates in the 40s can be normal for endurance athletes.
Can dehydration change your pulse rate
Yes, dehydration reduces blood volume and can cause the heart to beat faster to maintain circulation. Staying well hydrated helps keep your pulse stable.
Should you check your pulse before or after exercise
Checking before exercise gives a resting baseline while checking during or after shows how hard your heart is working. Both readings offer useful information about fitness.
Why is my pulse different in each wrist
Small differences between wrists can be normal due to how arteries branch and how firmly you press. A large or consistent gap is worth mentioning to a healthcare provider.
Does stress raise your heart rate
Yes, emotional stress and anxiety trigger hormones that can speed up the heart. Rates usually return to normal once you relax and calm down.
Is it better to count for a full minute or a shorter period
Counting for a full minute gives the most accurate result especially if your rhythm is irregular. Shorter counts multiplied out are quicker but slightly less precise.
Can medications influence your pulse rate
Yes, many medications including some for blood pressure and thyroid conditions can raise or lower heart rate. Always ask your doctor how a prescription may affect your pulse.
Insights, Analysis, and Developments
Editorial Note: While pulse monitoring has become increasingly accessible through wearable technology, the fundamental skill of manually checking one's heart rate remains a critical health literacy tool that transcends economic barriers and technological dependencies. Understanding what constitutes a normal resting heart rate for your age group provides a baseline that can alert you to potential health changes long before they become urgent medical situations. For older adults and those with chronic conditions, this knowledge transforms a simple 15-second count into a meaningful conversation starter with healthcare providers, turning abstract numbers into actionable insights about cardiac function, medication effectiveness, and overall wellness trends that might otherwise go unnoticed until routine checkups.
Author Credentials: Ian is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability, a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.