About the Resting Heart Rate Chart by Age
This resting heart rate calculator compares your pulse with healthy people of the same sex and age group. Enter your resting heart rate in beats per minute and it shows your percentile — the share of people your age with a lower resting pulse — the median for your group, and whether your rate falls inside the standard adult normal range of 60 to 100 beats per minute.
The comparison data come from the CDC’s National Health Statistics Report No. 41, which measured the seated resting pulse of tens of thousands of Americans in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999–2008) and excluded anyone with a medical condition or medication that affects heart rate. The chart covers ages 16 and over; women typically have resting rates a few beats higher than men.
Measure first thing in the morning or after sitting quietly for at least five minutes, count beats for 30 seconds and double it, and average several days. Caffeine, nicotine, stress, illness, heat and recent exercise all raise the reading. A low rate is usually a sign of good fitness, but a rate below 60 with dizziness or fainting, or a resting rate regularly over 100, deserves a check with a doctor.
How to use the resting heart rate chart by age
- 1Sit quietly for 5 minutes (or measure right after waking), then count your pulse for 30 seconds and double it.
- 2Select your sex and enter your age.
- 3Enter your resting heart rate in beats per minute.
- 4Read your rating, percentile and the median for people like you.
- 5Repeat on a few different mornings and use the average for the most reliable picture.
Formula and method
The CDC report lists the resting pulse at the 2.5th, 5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, 95th and 97.5th percentiles for each sex and age group. Your heart rate HR is placed between the two neighbouring table values R₁ and R₂, and the percentile is interpolated linearly between their percentiles P₁ and P₂. Rates beyond the 2.5th or 97.5th percentile are reported as below or above that range rather than extrapolated.
The rating uses the percentile: up to the 25th is lower than most people, the 25th–75th is typical, the 75th–90th higher than average and above the 90th high for your age. Separately, the result is compared with the conventional adult normal range of 60–100 bpm used by MedlinePlus; well-trained athletes often sit at 40–60 bpm.
- HR
- Your resting heart rate (bpm)
- R₁, R₂
- Table heart rates just below and above yours
- P₁, P₂
- Percentiles of those table values
Worked examples
30-year-old man, 62 bpm
For men aged 20–39 the 25th percentile is 61 bpm and the 50th is 69 bpm. 62 bpm is one-eighth of the way between them: 25 + 25 × 1 ÷ 8 = 28th percentile, inside the typical middle half.
45-year-old woman, 80 bpm
Women aged 40–59 have a 75th percentile of 79 bpm and a 90th of 86 bpm, so 80 bpm is 75 + 15 × 1 ÷ 7 = 77th percentile — a little higher than average but well inside the 60–100 normal range.
Fit 65-year-old man, 52 bpm
For men aged 60–79 the 5th percentile is 50 bpm and the 10th is 54 bpm, so 52 bpm is the 7.5th percentile. That is technically below 60 bpm but is common in people who exercise regularly and is only a concern if it causes symptoms.
25-year-old man, 105 bpm
Only 2.5% of healthy men aged 20–39 have a resting pulse above 95 bpm. At 105 bpm the reading is above the 97.5th percentile and in the tachycardia range — re-measure when fully rested and talk to a doctor if it stays high.
Frequently asked questions
What is a normal resting heart rate?+
For adults and children aged 10 and older, MedlinePlus gives a normal resting heart rate of 60 to 100 beats per minute. Well-trained athletes often have resting rates of 40 to 60 bpm.
What is a good resting heart rate for my age?+
In CDC data on healthy Americans, the median resting pulse is about 67–69 bpm for men and 70–77 bpm for women, varying a little by age. Below your group’s 25th percentile is lower than most people, which usually reflects good cardiovascular fitness.
Why do women have higher resting heart rates?+
Women on average have smaller hearts that pump less blood per beat, so the heart beats slightly faster to move the same amount of blood. In the NHANES data adult women averaged about 2–5 bpm higher than men of the same age.
How do I measure my resting heart rate accurately?+
Measure after waking or after sitting quietly for at least five minutes, away from caffeine, nicotine and exercise. Count the pulse at your wrist or neck for 30 seconds and double it, or use a reliable wearable, and average several days.
When should I worry about my resting heart rate?+
See a doctor if your resting rate is regularly above 100 bpm, or below 60 bpm and you are not an athlete and feel dizzy, faint, short of breath or tired. Chest pain or fainting with any heart rate needs urgent care.
This tool gives general estimates and is not medical advice. Talk to a doctor or qualified professional about your health, diet or training.