The formula
MAP = diastolic + (systolic − diastolic) ÷ 3
Example for 126/81: 81 + (126 − 81) ÷ 3 = 81 + 15 = 96 mmHg. The pulse pressure is 126 − 81 = 45 mmHg.
The heart spends about a third of each beat contracting and two thirds relaxing, so the average pressure sits about a third of the way from the bottom number to the top one. The formula is an estimate for a resting heart rate.
What MAP is used for
MAP is mostly used in hospitals, for example in intensive care, and in research. High blood pressure is diagnosed and managed using the top and bottom numbers, not MAP. To see what your reading means, use the blood pressure chart.
Questions
What is mean arterial pressure?
Mean arterial pressure (MAP) is the average pressure in your arteries over one heartbeat. Because the heart spends longer relaxing than contracting, it is closer to the bottom number than to the top one.
How do you calculate MAP?
The usual estimate is MAP = diastolic + (systolic − diastolic) ÷ 3. For 120/80, that is 80 + 40 ÷ 3 = 93 mmHg.
What is pulse pressure?
Pulse pressure is the difference between the top and bottom numbers: systolic − diastolic. For 120/80 it is 40 mmHg.
Is MAP used to diagnose high blood pressure?
No. High blood pressure is diagnosed and treated using the top and bottom numbers. MAP is mostly used in hospitals and in research.
Is this formula exact?
It is an estimate for a resting heart rate. Hospital monitors measure MAP directly from the pressure wave.
More tools
Not medical advice. This log is a place to write down your readings. Your target, how often to measure and your treatment come from your doctor.