Irregular Heart Rate Calculator
Professional EKG/ECG 6-Second Strip Method
Count every 'R' wave in the selected time period.
Usually 6 or 10 seconds for standard EKGs.
Estimated Mean Heart Rate:
— BPM
Normal
Understanding Heart Rate in Irregular Rhythms
Calculating a heart rate when the rhythm is regular is simple—you can use the "300 Method" (300 divided by the number of large squares between R-waves). However, when a patient has an irregular rhythm like Atrial Fibrillation (AFib), the distance between beats (the RR interval) varies constantly. In these cases, the standard methods will give you a different heart rate for every single beat.
The 6-Second Strip Method
The gold standard for calculating a mean heart rate in irregular rhythms is the 6-second rule. Since heart rate is defined as beats per minute (60 seconds), counting the beats in a 6-second window and multiplying by 10 provides a reliable average.
- Step 1: Identify a 6-second section on the EKG paper (usually 30 large squares at standard 25mm/sec speed).
- Step 2: Count the number of QRS complexes (the spikes) within those 30 squares.
- Step 3: Multiply that number by 10.
Interpretation of Results
| Rate Range | Classification |
|---|---|
| Below 60 BPM | Bradycardia |
| 60 – 100 BPM | Normal Range |
| Above 100 BPM | Tachycardia |
Medical Disclaimer: This tool is for educational purposes only. Clinical decisions should be made by qualified healthcare professionals using full diagnostic equipment and clinical assessment.