MAP Calculator

Mean arterial pressure is MAP = (systolic + 2 × diastolic) ÷ 3. For a reading of 120/80, MAP = (120 + 160) ÷ 3 = 93 mmHg. The diastolic value is doubled because at rest the heart spends about twice as long in diastole as in systole.

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Calculate your Mean Arterial Pressure (BP)

Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP)

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BP MAP Calculator Explanation

When tracking cardiovascular health, blood pressure readings offer two numbers: systolic and diastolic. However, the critical value clinicians often look for to ensure vital organs are receiving adequate blood supply is the Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP). Our free map bp calculator automates this calculation instantly.

How to calculate map from blood pressure?

The mathematical formula for calculating Mean Arterial Pressure requires doubling the diastolic pressure, adding the systolic pressure, and dividing the total sum by 3.

MAP = (Systolic + 2(Diastolic)) / 3

Why is Diastolic Doubled?

You might wonder why the heart's resting phase (diastolic) carries twice the weight in the formula. This is because the heart spends roughly two-thirds of the cardiac cycle in the diastolic phase (resting and filling) and only one-third in the systolic phase (pumping). Therefore, a blood pressure map calculator realistically represents the average pressure over time.

What is a Normal Range?

A healthy MAP range is universally considered to fall between 70 and 100 mmHg. If the MAP drops below 60 mmHg, there may be insufficient blood flow reaching vital organs, potentially leading to ischemia. Conversely, an excessively high MAP signifies an increased cardiovascular burden.

Worked examples

Three readings run through the formula MAP = (systolic + 2 × diastolic) / 3:

  • 120/80 mmHg (a textbook normal reading): (120 + 160) / 3 = 93.3 mmHg.
  • 140/90 mmHg (stage 2 hypertension by most guidelines): (140 + 180) / 3 = 106.7 mmHg.
  • 90/60 mmHg (low but often harmless in fit adults): (90 + 120) / 3 = 70 mmHg.

What is a normal MAP reading?

A MAP between about 70 and 100 mmHg is the range usually quoted as normal for a resting adult. Values persistently above 100 mmHg go together with high blood pressure and its long-term strain on the heart and vessels; values under about 60–65 mmHg mean the organs may not be receiving enough flow, which is why that threshold matters so much in emergency and intensive care.

These ranges are general reference points, not a diagnosis. Blood pressure varies with posture, stress, caffeine and the time of day, and a single home reading says little on its own. If your readings are consistently outside the normal range, discuss them with a clinician.

More questions

What is the difference between MAP and pulse pressure?

Pulse pressure is simply systolic minus diastolic (120/80 gives 40 mmHg) and reflects the force of each heartbeat. MAP is the time-weighted average pressure across the whole cardiac cycle and reflects how well organs are perfused. Two people can share the same pulse pressure with very different MAPs.

Why do clinicians target a MAP of 65 mmHg in intensive care?

Below roughly 60–65 mmHg, blood flow to the kidneys and brain can fall short of what they need. That is why sepsis and shock guidelines commonly use a MAP of at least 65 mmHg as the initial target when giving fluids or vasopressors. The exact target is set by the treating team for each patient.

Is the MAP formula accurate at high heart rates?

The (systolic + 2 × diastolic) / 3 formula assumes the heart spends about two thirds of each cycle in diastole, which is true at rest. At very fast heart rates diastole shortens, so the formula slightly underestimates the true MAP; invasive monitoring in hospital measures it directly instead.

Related: the BMI calculator and the calorie calculator for the two other numbers most often tracked alongside blood pressure.

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