Pulse Pressure Calculator
Enter your systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings to calculate pulse pressure — the difference between the two — and see how it compares to the typically cited normal range.
How the Pulse Pressure formula works
A simple subtraction:
Pulse pressure = Systolic − Diastolic
A pulse pressure between roughly 40 and 60 mmHg is commonly cited as typical for healthy adults, though this varies by individual and context.
Step-by-step calculation
- Take the systolic (top) number from a blood pressure reading.
- Subtract the diastolic (bottom) number.
- The result is the pulse pressure, in mmHg.
Worked example
A reading of 120/80: Pulse pressure = 120 − 80 = 40 mmHg, within the commonly cited typical range.
Frequently asked questions
What does a high or low pulse pressure mean?
This is informational only, not a diagnosis — pulse pressure outside the typical range can reflect various factors and is worth discussing with a healthcare provider rather than interpreting on its own.
Is pulse pressure the same as heart rate?
No — pulse pressure is a blood pressure measurement (systolic minus diastolic), unrelated to heart rate, which measures beats per minute.