BP LogBlood pressure category checker
Enter a blood pressure reading to see which 2025 ACC/AHA category it falls in, where it sits on the scale, and when a number needs prompt attention.
Check a reading
Enter the top (systolic) and bottom (diastolic) numbers from your monitor. Pulse is optional. For the truest picture, use the average of two readings taken a minute apart.
Your category will show here.
What the categories mean
The 2025 ACC/AHA guideline sorts adult blood pressure into four categories. The checker adds a fifth, Low, which is how the BP Log app flags a top number under 90.
| Category | Top (systolic) | Bottom (diastolic) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal | under 120 | and | under 80 |
| Elevated | 120 to 129 | and | under 80 |
| Stage 1 hypertension | 130 to 139 | or | 80 to 89 |
| Stage 2 hypertension | 140 or higher | or | 90 or higher |
| Severe (above the chart) | higher than 180 | and/or | higher than 120 |
A result reads “consistent with” a category because a single reading is a snapshot, not a diagnosis. Your doctor decides what the numbers mean for you, usually from an average of readings over days or weeks.
How it is worked out
The checker uses the same classifier as the BP Log app. It tests the worst category first, so whichever number is higher decides: a top number under 90 is Low; 140 or more on top, or 90 or more on the bottom, is Stage 2; 130 or more on top, or 80 or more on the bottom, is Stage 1; 120 or more on top is Elevated; anything else is Normal. Numbers well outside the usual range get a double-check prompt, the same as in the app.
For a truer picture, enter the average of two readings taken a minute apart, or use the 7-day home average to build a week of readings.
Common questions
What is a normal blood pressure reading?
Under the 2025 ACC/AHA guideline, normal is a top number under 120 and a bottom number under 80. That definition is the same for every adult, at every age.
Which number counts if my top and bottom numbers fall in different categories?
The higher category counts. For example, 118/84 has a normal top number but a bottom number in the stage 1 range, so the reading is consistent with stage 1.
Does one high reading mean I have high blood pressure?
No. Blood pressure changes from minute to minute. The guideline bases a category on the average of two or more readings taken on two or more occasions, and recommends home or ambulatory readings to confirm it.
What should I do if my reading is above 180/120?
If you also have chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness, weakness, a change in vision or difficulty speaking, call 911. If you feel fine, rest and measure again after a minute. If it is still above 180/120, contact your healthcare professional right away.
Why does the checker show Low for a top number under 90?
The guideline does not have a low category. BP Log marks a top number under 90 as Low so it stands out. Low readings matter mostly when they come with symptoms such as dizziness or fainting.
- Jones DW, et al. 2025 AHA/ACC/AANP/AAPA/ABC/ACCP/ACPM/AGS/AMA/ASPC/NMA/PCNA/SGIM Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults (Circulation, 2025): Blood pressure categories (normal under 120/80, elevated 120 to 129 and under 80, stage 1 130 to 139 or 80 to 89, stage 2 140 or 90 and higher); the higher category counts when the two numbers disagree; severe hypertension above 180/120; PREVENT for risk estimation
- Understanding Blood Pressure Readings (American Heart Association, reviewed August 14, 2025): Category chart for adults; severe hypertension and hypertensive emergency rows; call 911 above 180/120 with symptoms
- Muntner P, et al. Measurement of Blood Pressure in Humans: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association (Hypertension, 2019): How to measure; home protocol of 2 readings a minute apart, morning and evening, for 7 days; cuff sizes by arm circumference; white coat and masked hypertension definitions; home 130/80 corresponds to office 130/80
- Home Blood Pressure Monitoring (American Heart Association, reviewed August 14, 2025): Two readings one minute apart; same time each day; rest 5 minutes first; validated upper-arm cuff; what to do with a reading above 180/120
The free iPhone app times two readings a minute apart, averages them, keeps your morning and evening numbers apart, and builds a report for your doctor.
Other ways to track: desktop, Excel and printable logs