Calculate breaths per minute (BPM) based on a timed observation.
Infant (0-1 year)
Toddler (1-3 years)
Preschooler (3-6 years)
School Age (6-12 years)
Adolescent (12-18 years)
Adult (18+ years)
15 Seconds
30 Seconds
60 Seconds (Full Minute)
Result
0 BPM
function calculateBPM() {
var ageGroup = document.getElementById('br_age_group').value;
var duration = parseFloat(document.getElementById('br_duration').value);
var count = parseFloat(document.getElementById('br_count').value);
// Validation
if (isNaN(count) || count < 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid number of breaths counted.");
return;
}
// Calculation Logic
// Formula: (Count / Duration) * 60
var bpm = (count / duration) * 60;
bpm = Math.round(bpm);
// Define Normal Ranges (Approximate medical standards)
var minNormal = 0;
var maxNormal = 0;
switch(ageGroup) {
case 'infant':
minNormal = 30; maxNormal = 60;
break;
case 'toddler':
minNormal = 24; maxNormal = 40;
break;
case 'preschool':
minNormal = 22; maxNormal = 34;
break;
case 'school':
minNormal = 18; maxNormal = 30;
break;
case 'adolescent':
minNormal = 12; maxNormal = 16;
break;
case 'adult':
minNormal = 12; maxNormal = 20;
break;
default:
minNormal = 12; maxNormal = 20;
}
// Determine Status
var statusText = "";
var statusClass = "";
if (bpm < minNormal) {
statusText = "Bradypnea (Below Normal)";
statusClass = "br-warning"; // Low is warning
if (bpm maxNormal) {
statusText = "Tachypnea (Above Normal)";
statusClass = "br-warning"; // High is warning
if (bpm > (maxNormal * 1.5)) statusClass = "br-danger"; // Very high
} else {
statusText = "Normal Respiratory Rate";
statusClass = "br-normal";
}
// Update DOM
document.getElementById('br_bpm_value').innerText = bpm + " BPM";
var statusEl = document.getElementById('br_status_text');
statusEl.innerText = statusText;
statusEl.className = "br-status " + statusClass;
document.getElementById('br_range_info').innerText =
"Standard range for " + ageGroup.charAt(0).toUpperCase() + ageGroup.slice(1) + ": " + minNormal + " – " + maxNormal + " BPM";
document.getElementById('br_result').style.display = "block";
}
Understanding Your Breathing Rate
The breathing rate, also known as the respiratory rate, is a vital sign that measures the number of breaths a person takes per minute. Along with blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature, it provides a crucial snapshot of a person's physiological health. Our Breathing Rate Calculator helps you quickly interpret manual counts taken over short durations (15 or 30 seconds) into a standard Breaths Per Minute (BPM) metric.
How to Measure Respiratory Rate Accurately
Measuring breathing rate requires the subject to be at rest. Physical activity, anxiety, or talking can temporarily alter the rate. Follow these steps for an accurate measurement:
Ensure the person is resting: The subject should be seated or lying down comfortably for at least 5-10 minutes before measuring.
Observe the chest: Watch for the rise and fall of the chest. One complete cycle (one rise and one fall) counts as one breath.
Count stealthily: If possible, count without the person knowing, as conscious awareness of breathing often causes people to change their rhythm involuntarily.
Time the count: Use a stopwatch or the second hand of a clock. Count the number of breaths for 30 seconds and multiply by 2 (or use our calculator above). For the most accurate results, count for a full 60 seconds.
Normal Respiratory Rate Chart by Age
Respiratory rates change significantly as humans age. Infants breathe much faster than adults because their lungs are smaller and their metabolic rates are higher. Below is a general guide to normal ranges:
Age Group
Normal Range (BPM)
Infant (Birth to 1 year)
30 – 60 BPM
Toddler (1 to 3 years)
24 – 40 BPM
Preschooler (3 to 6 years)
22 – 34 BPM
School Age (6 to 12 years)
18 – 30 BPM
Adolescent (12 to 18 years)
12 – 16 BPM
Adult (18+ years)
12 – 20 BPM
Interpreting Abnormal Results
Deviations from the normal range can indicate underlying health issues, though temporary changes are normal during exercise or stress.
Tachypnea (High Breathing Rate)
Tachypnea refers to a respiratory rate that is higher than normal. Common causes include:
Infection: Conditions like pneumonia or bronchitis.
Asthma or COPD: Narrowing of airways forces the body to breathe faster to maintain oxygen levels.
Anxiety: Panic attacks often lead to hyperventilation.
Fever: The body breathes faster to release heat.
Heart Conditions: Heart failure can cause fluid buildup in the lungs, increasing respiratory rate.
Bradypnea (Low Breathing Rate)
Bradypnea refers to an abnormally slow respiratory rate. Common causes include:
Medications: Opioids, sedatives, and some pain relievers can depress the respiratory drive.
Head Injury: Trauma to the brain stem, which controls breathing.
Hypothyroidism: Low thyroid function can slow down metabolic processes.
Electrolyte Imbalance: Severe imbalances can affect muscle function, including the diaphragm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 12 breaths per minute normal for an adult?
Yes, a respiratory rate of 12 breaths per minute is considered within the healthy normal range for an adult, which typically spans from 12 to 20 breaths per minute while at rest.
Why do athletes have a lower breathing rate?
Athletes often have more efficient cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Their lungs can extract oxygen more effectively, and their hearts pump blood more efficiently, meaning they may not need to breathe as frequently as a non-athlete to maintain oxygen levels at rest.
When should I seek medical attention for breathing rate?
You should seek immediate medical attention if an adult's breathing rate is consistently above 24 BPM or below 12 BPM, or if any rate is accompanied by chest pain, blue tint to the lips (cyanosis), confusion, or wheezing.