In adults, a normal resting heart rate is usually between 60 and 100 beats per minute, but it can vary by age, fitness level, and overall health.
Heart rate can be checked by feeling the pulse at the neck or using a device like a pulse oximeter or fitness watch.
A heart rate that is often too high or too low may need medical evaluation, especially with chest pain, dizziness, fatigue, or shortness of breath.

A normal heart rate is a resting heart rate that falls within the expected range for a person's age and overall health. In adults, a normal resting heart rate is usually between 60 and 100 beats per minute.

A normal heart rate can be measured by checking the pulse at the neck or with devices such as a pulse oximeter or fitness watch. Heart rate charts can also help compare resting heart rate ranges by age and sex.

A resting heart rate that is consistently too high or too low may be a sign of an underlying health condition, especially if it occurs with symptoms like chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath. Treatment depends on the cause and may include lifestyle changes, regular exercise, or medical treatment.

cardiologist listening to older man's heart

What is a normal heart rate?

A normal resting heart rate varies by age:

0 to 28 days: 100 to 205 bpm
28 days to 1 year: 100 to 180 bpm
1 to 3 years: 98 to 140 bpm
3 to 5 years: 80 to 120 bpm
5 to 12 years: 75 to 118 bpm
13 years and older: 60 to 100 bpm

Heart rate, blood pressure, and body weight are all measurements that can help assess a person’s overall health. According to the American Heart Association, a normal resting heart rate is between 60 and 100 beats per minute when a person is sitting or lying down, calm, and feeling well.

Check your heart rate

To find out if your heart rate is normal, enter your information into our calculator:

This calculator is only a general guide and does not replace an evaluation with a cardiologist or primary care provider.

How to measure

To measure your heart rate, place your index and middle fingers on the side of your neck where you can feel your pulse. Count how many beats you feel in 1 minute. You can also count your pulse for 15 seconds and multiply the result by 4, as long as your heartbeat feels regular.

Other options include using a device called a pulse oximeter, which is placed on the finger and measures heart rate within a few seconds. Fitness watches that track heart rate can also be used. These products can be purchased at medical supply stores or sporting goods stores.

Heart rate charts

The table below shows resting heart rate ranges for men by age:

Rating	18–25 years	26–35 years	36–45 years	46–55 years	56–65 years	Over 65 years
Excellent	56–61	55–61	57–62	58–63	57–61	56–61
Very good	62–65	62–65	63–66	64–67	62–67	62–65
Good	66–69	66–70	67–70	68–71	68–71	66–69
Average	70–73	71–74	71–75	72–76	72–75	70–73
Fair	74–81	75–81	76–82	77–83	76–81	74–79
High	82+	82+	83+	84+	82+	80+

The table below shows resting heart rate ranges for women by age:

Rating	18–25 years	26–35 years	36–45 years	46–55 years	56–65 years	Over 65 years
Excellent	61–65	60–64	60–64	61–65	60–64	60–64
Very good	66–69	65–68	65–69	66–69	65–68	65–68
Good	70–73	69–72	70–73	70–73	69–73	69–72
Average	74–78	73–76	74–78	74–77	74–77	73–76
Fair	79–84	77–82	79–84	78–83	78–83	77–84
High	85+	83+	85+	84+	84+	84+

People with good cardiovascular fitness often have a lower resting heart rate because the heart can pump blood more efficiently. Regular exercise can help improve this efficiency over time.

To know whether your heart rate is healthy for you, it is best to consult a cardiologist.

High heart rate

A heart rate is generally considered high when it is above 100 beats per minute at rest. Common causes of a fast heart rate include:

Strong emotions
Panic attacks or anxiety
Fever
Physical exertion, such as exercise
Certain medications
High blood pressure
Excessive alcohol or caffeine intake
Heart disease, especially arrhythmias

A faster heart rate does not always indicate a serious problem. However, in more severe cases, it may be a sign of a heart attack. Other symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain, discomfort that feels like indigestion, dizziness, and cold sweats.

If your heart rate frequently increases without a clear reason, you should see your primary care provider or a cardiologist to check for any underlying condition that may require treatment.

Low heart rate

A heart rate is generally considered low when it is below 60 beats per minute. This is more common in people who exercise regularly, such as athletes, in older adults, and in people who take certain heart medications.

However, a low heart rate can also be a sign of heart problems, such as arrhythmias, especially when symptoms are present. A cardiologist should evaluate a low heart rate if it is accompanied by dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, or other concerning symptoms.

How to lower your heart rate

Strategies for how to slow your heart rate include:

Standing up, leaning slightly forward with your hands resting on your thighs, and coughing firmly 5 times in a row.
Taking a deep breath, then slowly exhaling through your mouth, as if gently blowing out a candle.
Counting backward from 20 to 0 while focusing on staying calm.

These steps may help lower your heart rate slightly, but they are not a substitute for medical care. If this happens often, you should see a doctor to find out what might be causing it and whether treatment is needed.

Even if your heart rate is not high, regular physical activity is one of the best ways to improve your resting heart rate. This can include walking, running, water aerobics, or any other activity that safely improves your fitness level.

Target heart rate for exercise

Maximum heart rate can be estimated by subtracting your age from 220.

However, the ideal heart rate during exercise depends on how intense the activity is. According to the CDC, moderate-intensity exercise is usually performed at about 64% to 76% of a person’s estimated maximum heart rate.

This number can vary from person to person, depending on fitness level. For example, some athletes may have a lower maximum heart rate than others of the same age.

For weight loss, exercise is typically done within about 60% to 75% of maximum heart rate, which can vary with age and sex.

Normal Heart Rate: What's Healthy & When to Worry