Arterial Pulse Pressure CalculatorFree online fitness & health calculator — instant results, no sign-up
Calculate pulse pressure as systolic minus diastolic blood pressure.
For general information only. This is not medical advice, diagnosis, dosing guidance or a treatment recommendation. Talk to a doctor or other qualified health professional about your health, pregnancy, or diet.
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About the Arterial Pulse Pressure Calculator
The Arterial Pulse Pressure Calculator subtracts diastolic blood pressure from systolic blood pressure to find pulse pressure in mmHg. Using the default reading of 120 mmHg systolic and 80 mmHg diastolic, it returns a pulse pressure of 40 mmHg. This tool provides an educational estimate for adults, not a diagnosis or treatment recommendation.
- Systolic pressure (mmHg)
- Systolic pressure is the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts, measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), with a default of 120.
- Diastolic pressure (mmHg)
- Diastolic pressure is the pressure in the arteries between heartbeats, measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), with a default of 80.
Formula and method
PP = SBP − DBP; with the default inputs: PP = 120 − 80 = 40 mmHg.
- PPPulse pressure, expressed in mmHg.
- SBPSystolic blood pressure, expressed in mmHg.
- DBPDiastolic blood pressure, expressed in mmHg.
The calculator takes the systolic and diastolic values from the same blood pressure reading and subtracts diastolic pressure from systolic pressure. Because both inputs use mmHg, the difference is also in mmHg; no unit conversion or additional adjustment is needed.
Worked example
These are the calculator's starting values and the results it actually produces for them.
Inputs
- Systolic pressure120 mmHg
- Diastolic pressure80 mmHg
Results
- Pulse pressure40 mmHg
- NoteEducational estimate for adults; not a diagnosis or treatment recommendation.
How to use the Arterial Pulse Pressure Calculator
- 1Obtain a blood pressure reading using an appropriate cuff and proper measurement technique.
- 2Enter the systolic value in Systolic pressure (mmHg); the default is 120.
- 3Enter the diastolic value from the same reading in Diastolic pressure (mmHg); the default is 80.
- 4Check that the values are entered correctly and that systolic pressure is greater than diastolic pressure, then calculate.
- 5Read the pulse pressure and educational note; the default inputs produce 40 mmHg.
Reading your result
The Pulse pressure row shows the difference between the two entered pressures: 40 mmHg for 120 minus 80. It describes the size of the pressure change between heart contraction and relaxation, not the overall blood pressure level or a diagnosis. The Note row states: "Educational estimate for adults; not a diagnosis or treatment recommendation." Read the result alongside the original blood pressure reading, symptoms, and clinical context.
Limitations
This calculation assumes both values are accurate, expressed in mmHg, and taken from the same blood pressure measurement. Cuff fit, posture, recent activity, and measurement error can affect the inputs and therefore the result. Pulse pressure alone cannot establish whether blood pressure is healthy, diagnose cardiovascular disease, or guide medication changes. Different systolic and diastolic readings can produce the same pulse pressure. A zero or negative result should prompt checking the entries and repeating the measurement rather than treating it as a reliable clinical finding.
Common questions
Why does a reading of 120/80 give a pulse pressure of 40 mmHg?+
The calculator subtracts the lower, diastolic value from the upper, systolic value: 120 − 80 = 40 mmHg.
Is pulse pressure the same as pulse rate?+
No. Pulse pressure is a difference in arterial pressures measured in mmHg. Pulse rate counts heartbeats per minute and is not used in this calculation.
Does a pulse pressure of 40 mmHg prove that my blood pressure is healthy?+
No. Although 40 mmHg is commonly cited as a typical resting adult pulse pressure, the difference alone does not establish health. The systolic and diastolic values, repeated measurements, symptoms, and medical history also matter.
Can I combine systolic and diastolic values from different readings?+
Use both values from the same reading. Combining values taken at different times produces a difference that does not represent the pulse pressure of either measurement.
Does the calculator save my information?+
Calculations run in your browser. While signed in, inputs and results are automatically recorded in account history; saving a result creates a separate saved record.
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Results are estimates for informational purposes and are not financial, medical or legal advice.