Mean Arterial Pressure CalculatorFree online fitness & health calculator — instant results, no sign-up
Estimate mean arterial pressure from systolic and diastolic 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 Mean Arterial Pressure Calculator
The Mean Arterial Pressure Calculator estimates average arterial pressure over a heartbeat using systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings in mmHg. It weights diastolic pressure more heavily because the heart normally spends more time in diastole than systole at rest. With the default readings of 120 mmHg systolic and 80 mmHg diastolic, the estimated MAP is 93.33 mmHg.
- Systolic pressure (mmHg)
- The higher blood pressure reading, representing peak arterial pressure during heart contraction, entered in millimeters of mercury (mmHg); the default is 120.
- Diastolic pressure (mmHg)
- The lower blood pressure reading, representing arterial pressure between heart contractions, entered in millimeters of mercury (mmHg); the default is 80.
Formula and method
MAP ≈ DBP + (SBP − DBP) / 3 = (SBP + 2 × DBP) / 3. With the default inputs: MAP ≈ (120 + 2 × 80) / 3 = 93.33 mmHg, rounded to two decimal places.
- MAPEstimated mean arterial pressure, in mmHg.
- SBPSystolic blood pressure, in mmHg.
- DBPDiastolic blood pressure, in mmHg.
Subtract diastolic pressure from systolic pressure to obtain pulse pressure. Divide that difference by three, then add it to diastolic pressure. For the default inputs, the pulse pressure is 120 − 80 = 40 mmHg, so estimated MAP is 80 + 40 / 3 = 93.33 mmHg after rounding.
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
- Estimated MAP93.33 mmHg
- NoteApproximation most applicable at normal resting heart rates.
- NoteEducational estimate for adults; not a diagnosis or treatment recommendation.
How to use the Mean Arterial Pressure Calculator
- 1Obtain systolic and diastolic values from the same blood pressure measurement, preferably taken while resting with an appropriately sized cuff.
- 2Enter the systolic pressure in mmHg; the default value is 120.
- 3Enter the diastolic pressure in mmHg; the default value is 80.
- 4Check that the entries are in the correct fields and that systolic pressure is higher than diastolic pressure, then run the calculation.
- 5Read the estimated MAP and both accompanying notes; the default inputs produce 93.33 mmHg.
Reading your result
The “Estimated MAP” row reports the calculated average arterial pressure in mmHg; with 120 mmHg systolic and 80 mmHg diastolic, it is 93.33 mmHg. The first “Note” row states, “Approximation most applicable at normal resting heart rates.” This identifies the conditions under which the formula is generally most useful. The second “Note” row states, “Educational estimate for adults; not a diagnosis or treatment recommendation.” A MAP result alone cannot establish whether blood pressure or organ blood flow is adequate, and it should not replace review of the original systolic and diastolic readings.
Limitations
This formula approximates the time-averaged arterial pressure rather than measuring the arterial pressure waveform directly. Its weighting assumes a typical resting relationship between systole and diastole; accuracy can decrease with fast or irregular heart rhythms, exercise, or altered circulation. Incorrect cuff size, measurement technique, and normal blood pressure variability also affect the estimate. Displaying two decimal places does not imply that the underlying readings are that precise. This tool is intended for adult education, not pediatric assessment, diagnosis, medication adjustment, or emergency decisions.
Common questions
Why does this calculator count diastolic pressure twice?+
At normal resting heart rates, diastole usually occupies more of the cardiac cycle than systole. The formula (SBP + 2 × DBP) / 3 approximates that timing rather than taking a simple arithmetic average of the two readings.
How do the default readings of 120/80 produce a MAP of 93.33 mmHg?+
The calculator doubles the diastolic value of 80, adds the systolic value of 120, and divides the total by three: (120 + 160) / 3 = 93.33 mmHg after rounding.
Can I use blood pressure readings taken immediately after exercise?+
The calculator can apply the formula to those readings, but the estimate may be less reliable because exercise changes heart rate and the relative time spent in systole and diastole. Resting readings better match this formula’s assumptions.
Can estimated MAP tell me whether I have high blood pressure?+
No. High blood pressure assessment relies on systolic and diastolic readings, usually repeated under appropriate conditions, along with clinical context. A MAP estimate can conceal differences between those two values and should not be used alone to diagnose hypertension.
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.