Blood Pressure Category Calculator
Classify a reading using the AHA/ACC guideline categories, from Normal to Hypertensive Crisis.
This is an educational tool, not a diagnosis. A single reading can be affected by stress, caffeine, or measurement technique — talk to a healthcare provider about your blood pressure, especially if readings are consistently elevated.
Category
Normal
Within the healthy range.
AHA/ACC blood pressure categories
| Category | Systolic | Diastolic |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | Less than 120 | Less than 80 |
| Elevated | 120–129 | Less than 80 |
| Hypertension Stage 1 | 130–139 | 80–89 |
| Hypertension Stage 2 | 140 or higher | 90 or higher |
| Hypertensive Crisis | Higher than 180 | Higher than 120 |
For informational and educational purposes only — not medical advice, and not a substitute for consulting a qualified professional about your specific situation. TrueMeasureKit is not liable for decisions made based on these results. See our Terms of Service.
Why two numbers, and why "or" matters
Systolic pressure (the top number) measures force during a heartbeat; diastolic (the bottom number) measures it at rest between beats. Under the AHA/ACC 2017 guideline, most categories are triggered by either number alone being high enough — a reading of 145/70 still counts as Stage 2, even though the diastolic number looks normal, because the systolic number alone crosses that threshold.
Frequently asked questions
What are the AHA/ACC blood pressure categories?
Normal (under 120/80), Elevated (120–129 systolic, under 80 diastolic), Stage 1 Hypertension (130–139/80–89), Stage 2 Hypertension (140+/90+), and Hypertensive Crisis (180+/120+, which needs immediate medical attention).
Can I diagnose hypertension from one reading?
No — blood pressure naturally fluctuates throughout the day, so a diagnosis typically requires multiple readings over time, often including home monitoring. A single high reading is a reason to recheck and talk to a doctor, not to self-diagnose.