Health & Wellbeing2 min check

Blood Pressure Checker

Enter a recent blood pressure reading and we'll show the NHS / NICE category and what it usually means.

Short answer

NHS categories: Low <90/60, Ideal 90–120/60–80, Pre-high (high-normal) 120–139/80–89, High (Stage 1) 140/90–159/99, High (Stage 2) 160/100+. Anything 180/120+ needs urgent medical attention.

Step 1 of 10%

Calculation method, coverage and version

Inputs used: Systolic (top number, mmHg), Diastolic (bottom number, mmHg), Where measured.
Calculation approach: The calculator applies the rules and assumptions described in “How it works” to the values you enter. Rounding can cause small differences from an official or provider calculation.
Coverage: Health & Wellbeing. UK nations, tax treatment, local rules and provider criteria can differ; check the official sources shown below before acting.
Content version: No page-specific review date is currently published. Treat the result as indicative and verify current rules independently.

Not included unless explicitly requested: personal circumstances not entered, provider discretion, future rule changes, professional fees and case-specific exceptions. Read the full calculator methodology.

How it works

We compare your reading to NICE NG136 categories. Home/ambulatory thresholds are 5 mmHg lower than clinic readings because being in a medical setting can raise BP ('white-coat effect').

Worked example

Reading 152/96 at home → Stage 1 high BP (home threshold 135/85). GP appointment recommended.

Who should use this

•Adults monitoring BP at home
•People with a recent reading wanting plain-English context
•Anyone with a family history of hypertension

Common mistakes

×Measuring just after caffeine, smoking or exercise
×Crossing legs or talking during reading
×Using one reading instead of an average over a week
×Using a wrist monitor without keeping arm at heart level

Frequently asked questions

What is normal blood pressure?▾

Around 90/60 to 120/80 mmHg for most adults. NHS calls this 'ideal'.

When should I worry?▾

180/120+ with symptoms — call 999. Persistent 140/90+ — see your GP within a week or two.

Can lifestyle alone fix high BP?▾

Mild Stage 1 often improves with weight loss, less salt, less alcohol, and exercise. Stage 2 usually needs medication.

What's white-coat hypertension?▾

Higher BP in clinic than at home. Your GP can confirm with home or 24-hr ambulatory monitoring.

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