Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) Calculator
Free mean arterial pressure calculator. Enter systolic and diastolic blood pressure to get MAP in mmHg instantly, with the formula and pulse pressure shown.
Updated 2026-06-14 · Free · No sign-up · Runs privately in your browser
Show the formula & steps
Educational tool only. Not medical advice.
How the Mean Arterial Pressure Calculator Works
Mean arterial pressure (MAP) is the average pressure pushing blood through your arteries during a single heartbeat. It is often considered a better indicator of how well blood is reaching your organs than systolic pressure alone. Enter your systolic and diastolic blood pressure in mmHg, and this calculator returns your estimated MAP along with your pulse pressure.
The Formula
MAP = (SBP + 2 × DBP) ÷ 3
An equivalent and often-taught rearrangement is:
MAP = DBP + (SBP − DBP) ÷ 3
Both produce the same result. Here, SBP is systolic pressure and DBP is diastolic pressure. The diastolic value is weighted twice because the heart spends roughly two-thirds of each cardiac cycle in diastole.
Worked Example
For a blood pressure reading of 120 / 80 mmHg:
- MAP = (120 + 2 × 80) ÷ 3 = (120 + 160) ÷ 3 = 280 ÷ 3 ≈ 93 mmHg
- Using the other form: MAP = 80 + (120 − 80) ÷ 3 = 80 + 13.3 ≈ 93 mmHg
- Pulse pressure = 120 − 80 = 40 mmHg
Typical MAP Values
| Blood pressure (SBP/DBP) | MAP (mmHg) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 90 / 60 | ≈ 70 | Lower end of normal |
| 120 / 80 | ≈ 93 | Typical |
| 140 / 90 | ≈ 107 | Elevated |
| 160 / 100 | ≈ 120 | High |
A MAP of about 70–100 mmHg is generally regarded as normal in adults. A MAP of at least 65 mmHg is a common minimum target for maintaining adequate organ perfusion, though appropriate targets vary by person and setting.
Limitations and Notes
The standard MAP formula is an estimate that assumes a normal heart rate. At very high heart rates, diastole shortens, so the formula slightly underestimates the true mean pressure; invasive arterial monitoring gives a more exact value. This tool is intended for education, not diagnosis or treatment decisions. Always interpret blood pressure numbers with a qualified clinician.
Frequently asked questions
What is mean arterial pressure (MAP)?+
Mean arterial pressure is the average pressure in your arteries during one cardiac cycle. Because the heart spends about twice as long in diastole as in systole, MAP weights the diastolic pressure more heavily. It is a useful measure of how well blood is perfusing the body's organs.
How do you calculate MAP?+
The standard estimate is MAP = (systolic + 2 × diastolic) ÷ 3. An equivalent form is MAP = diastolic + (systolic − diastolic) ÷ 3. For a blood pressure of 120/80, MAP = (120 + 2 × 80) ÷ 3 = 280 ÷ 3 ≈ 93 mmHg.
What is a normal MAP?+
A mean arterial pressure of roughly 70 to 100 mmHg is generally considered normal for adults. Many clinicians aim to keep MAP at 65 mmHg or above to maintain adequate organ perfusion, but target ranges depend on the individual and the clinical situation.
Why is diastolic pressure weighted twice in the MAP formula?+
At normal resting heart rates the heart spends about two-thirds of each cycle in diastole (relaxation) and one-third in systole (contraction). Weighting diastolic pressure by 2 and systolic by 1, then dividing by 3, approximates this time-weighted average. The formula is less accurate at very high heart rates.
What is the difference between MAP and pulse pressure?+
MAP is the average arterial pressure across the whole cardiac cycle, while pulse pressure is simply the difference between systolic and diastolic pressure (SBP − DBP). For 120/80, MAP is about 93 mmHg and pulse pressure is 40 mmHg. They describe different aspects of blood pressure.