Mean Arterial Pressure Calculator
Calculate mean arterial pressure (MAP), the average pressure in your arteries during one heartbeat.
About the Mean Arterial Pressure Calculator
Enter the two numbers of a blood pressure reading: systolic (the higher) and diastolic (the lower). The calculator gives the mean arterial pressure and the pulse pressure, with the usual adult range.
Because the heart spends about two-thirds of each beat relaxing, MAP sits closer to the diastolic value. Clinicians use it to judge whether organs are well perfused; at least 65 mmHg is a common target in hospital care.
The formula
MAP = DBP + (SBP − DBP) ÷ 3
- SBP
- systolic blood pressure
- DBP
- diastolic blood pressure
- SBP − DBP
- pulse pressure
Worked example
A reading of 120/80 mmHg
- Pulse pressure: 120 − 80 = 40 mmHg
- MAP = 80 + 40 ÷ 3 = 93.3 mmHg
- Within the usual 70–100 mmHg range
Things to keep in mind
- This is an estimate for general information, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor or other qualified professional about your health.
Questions people ask
Is the formula exact?
It's an approximation; monitors in intensive care measure MAP directly from the waveform.
What's a normal MAP?
Roughly 70–100 mmHg.
Is MAP the same as blood pressure?
No. Blood pressure is two numbers; MAP combines them into one average. Use the Blood Pressure Calculator to see the category of a reading.