Pulse Rate (BPM) Chart and Information
Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2011/06/09 - Updated: 2024/04/07
Publication Type: Charts, Graphs, Tables
Topic: Medical Calculators and Charts - Publications List
Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main
Synopsis: Instructions on how to check your pulse rate, including a chart of what your beats per minute (BPM) should be for children and adults. Your pulse is usually called your heart rate, the number of times your heart beats each minute (bpm). The average resting pulse rate for humans is usually around 60 to 100 beats per minute.
Introduction
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.
Main Item
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.
Author Credentials: Ian was born and grew up in Australia. Since then, he has traveled and lived in numerous locations and currently resides in Montreal, Canada. Ian is the founder, a writer, and editor in chief for Disabled World. Ian believes in the Social Model of Disability, a belief developed by disabled people in the 1970s. The social model changes the focus away from people's impairments and towards removing barriers that disabled people face daily. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and achievements, check out his bio.