Pulse Pressure Calculator
Find your pulse pressure — the gap between systolic and diastolic blood pressure — and see how it compares to the normal range.
How it works
pulse pressure = systolic − diastolic
Pulse pressure is simply the difference between the two blood-pressure numbers, and it reflects the force your heart generates with each beat against the stiffness of your arteries. A resting value around 40 mmHg is considered normal. A consistently wide pulse pressure (above about 60 mmHg) often points to arterial stiffening that comes with age or hypertension, while a very narrow gap can appear with a weak heartbeat or blood loss. It is a quick extra signal on top of the raw reading.
Worked example
For a 120/80 reading: pulse pressure = 120 − 80 = 40 mmHg — right at the typical value.
Sources: American Heart Association — Understanding Blood Pressure Readings
Frequently asked questions
What is a healthy pulse pressure?
About 40 mmHg is typical at rest, with roughly 40–60 mmHg considered normal. Values persistently above 60 mmHg or below about 25 mmHg are worth discussing with a clinician.
Why does a wide pulse pressure matter?
A wide gap usually reflects stiffer, less elastic arteries, which is associated with a higher risk of heart disease and stroke. It is one of several markers doctors weigh, not a diagnosis on its own.
Can pulse pressure change through the day?
Yes. Exercise, stress, posture and even the arm used to measure can shift it, so a single high or low reading is less meaningful than a consistent pattern over several measurements.
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Educational estimate, not medical advice — for clinical decisions consult a healthcare professional.