How do I calculate mean arterial pressure?

MAP = diastolic pressure + (systolic − diastolic) / 3. For example, at 120/80 that’s 80 + 40/3 ≈ 93 mmHg. The calculator computes it from your values.

What is a normal MAP?

For adequate organ perfusion MAP should usually be at least 65 mmHg; the norm is about 65–100. Below is a risk of poor perfusion, above is elevated pressure.

Why is MAP more important than the top number?

MAP reflects the average pressure over the whole cycle, so it better shows organ perfusion. This matters especially in shock and intensive care, where adequacy of blood flow is judged by MAP.

What is pulse pressure?

It’s the difference between the top and bottom readings (normal ~30–50 mmHg). A wide pulse pressure in older people is linked to arterial stiffness and higher risk; a narrow one to low cardiac output.

Is a MAP below 65 dangerous?

Persistently low MAP can mean insufficient blood supply to organs and needs a doctor’s attention, especially with symptoms (weakness, dizziness). A single value is interpreted in context.

Mean arterial pressure (MAP): calculator

Mean arterial pressure (MAP) is the average pressure in your arteries over one cardiac cycle; it determines how well blood perfuses your organs. Enter your systolic and diastolic pressure — the calculator computes MAP and pulse pressure and compares them with the norm.

Calculate mean arterial pressure

Enter your systolic and diastolic pressure — the result appears instantly.

Mean arterial pressure norm

For adequate organ perfusion MAP should usually be at least 65 mmHg. This is a guide; in intensive care and disease a doctor sets the targets.

Mean arterial pressure (MAP)	Assessment
below 65 mmHg	Low — risk of poor perfusion
65–100 mmHg	Normal
above 100 mmHg	Elevated

What MAP is and how it’s calculated

MAP (mean arterial pressure) is the average pressure driving blood through the arteries across the whole cardiac cycle. Because the heart spends longer in diastole, a simple average of top and bottom is wrong; the formula is: MAP = diastolic + (systolic − diastolic) / 3.

For example, at 120/80 the MAP is about 93 mmHg. The calculator does this automatically.

Why mean pressure matters

It’s MAP, not just the top number, that reflects perfusion of the kidneys, brain and heart. For them to work normally MAP should usually be at least 65 mmHg; below that risks ischemia.

It’s especially important in intensive care and shock, where treatment is titrated to MAP. In everyday life it’s an extra reference alongside the usual top/bottom readings.

Pulse pressure

Pulse pressure is the difference between systolic and diastolic (normal roughly 30–50 mmHg). Too wide (> 60) in older people is linked to arterial stiffness and cardiovascular risk; narrow (< 30) to low output.

The calculator also shows pulse pressure alongside MAP. As with any single reading, a doctor interprets all of this from the trend.

Frequently asked questions

MAP = diastolic pressure + (systolic − diastolic) / 3. For example, at 120/80 that’s 80 + 40/3 ≈ 93 mmHg. The calculator computes it from your values.
For adequate organ perfusion MAP should usually be at least 65 mmHg; the norm is about 65–100. Below is a risk of poor perfusion, above is elevated pressure.
MAP reflects the average pressure over the whole cycle, so it better shows organ perfusion. This matters especially in shock and intensive care, where adequacy of blood flow is judged by MAP.
It’s the difference between the top and bottom readings (normal ~30–50 mmHg). A wide pulse pressure in older people is linked to arterial stiffness and higher risk; a narrow one to low cardiac output.
Persistently low MAP can mean insufficient blood supply to organs and needs a doctor’s attention, especially with symptoms (weakness, dizziness). A single value is interpreted in context.

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This calculator is for reference and information only and is not a diagnosis. Target pressures and their management are determined by a doctor.