Full Minute (60 seconds)
30 Seconds (Multiply by 2)
20 Seconds (Multiply by 3)
15 Seconds (Multiply by 4)
10 Seconds (Multiply by 6)
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Female
0BPM
Understanding Your Resting Heart Rate
Your resting heart rate (RHR) is the number of times your heart beats per minute (bpm) while you are at complete rest. It is a key indicator of your basic cardiovascular health and fitness levels. This calculator helps you convert a short pulse count into a beats-per-minute figure and compares it against general standards often referenced by the NHS and other health organizations.
How to Check Your Pulse
According to NHS guidelines, you can find your pulse in your wrist or neck to measure your heart rate:
Wrist: Put one of your hands out so you're looking at your palm. Use the first two fingers of your other hand and place them on the inside of your wrist, at the base of your thumb. Press lightly until you feel the pulse.
Neck: Place your index and middle fingers on the side of your neck, in the hollow area next to your windpipe.
Once you find your pulse, count the number of beats you feel for a specific duration (usually 15, 30, or 60 seconds). Entering that number into the calculator above will give you your BPM.
What is a Normal Resting Heart Rate?
For most adults, a normal resting heart rate ranges between 60 and 100 bpm. However, this can vary significantly based on factors such as:
Fitness Level: Athletes often have a lower RHR, sometimes as low as 40 to 60 bpm, because their heart muscle is more efficient.
Age: Pulse rates can change slightly as we age.
Medication: Beta-blockers, for example, can slow the heart rate.
Stress and Anxiety: Mental state can temporarily elevate heart rate.
NHS Advice: If your resting heart rate is consistently above 100 bpm (tachycardia) or below 60 bpm (bradycardia) and you are not an athlete, you should consult a GP, especially if you also feel faint, dizzy, or short of breath.
Interpreting the Results
60-100 BPM: generally considered the normal range for adults.
Below 60 BPM: Common in people who do a lot of athletic training. If you are not active and have a very low heart rate accompanied by fatigue or dizziness, seek medical advice.
Above 100 BPM: A heart rate consistently over 100 beats per minute while resting may indicate an underlying condition, stress, infection, or dehydration.
Factors That Influence Heart Rate
Several variables can cause your reading to fluctuate:
Temperature: Heat and humidity can cause a slight increase in heart rate.
Body Position: Lying down, sitting, and standing can result in different readings. It is best to measure RHR while sitting or lying quietly.
Emotions: Stress, anxiety, or excitement can spike your pulse.
Caffeine and Nicotine: Stimulants can increase your heart rate.
Note: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for concerns regarding your heart health.
function calculateHeartRate() {
// 1. Get input elements
var beatsInput = document.getElementById("beatsCounted");
var durationSelect = document.getElementById("measureMethod");
var ageInput = document.getElementById("ageInput");
var genderSelect = document.getElementById("genderInput");
var resultBox = document.getElementById("result");
var bpmDisplay = document.getElementById("bpmValue");
var categoryBadge = document.getElementById("categoryBadge");
var interpretationText = document.getElementById("interpretationText");
var nhsAdvice = document.getElementById("nhsAdvice");
// 2. Parse values
var beats = parseFloat(beatsInput.value);
var duration = parseFloat(durationSelect.value);
var age = parseFloat(ageInput.value);
var gender = genderSelect.value;
// 3. Validation
if (isNaN(beats) || beats < 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid number of beats counted.");
return;
}
if (isNaN(age) || age < 1) {
alert("Please enter a valid age.");
return;
}
// 4. Calculate BPM
// Multiplier is 60 / duration. E.g. if 15s, multiplier is 4.
var multiplier = 60 / duration;
var bpm = Math.round(beats * multiplier);
// 5. Determine Status Logic
var status = "";
var statusClass = "";
var advice = "";
// General Classification based on NHS/Medical norms for adults
if (bpm = 40 && bpm = 60 && bpm 100 && bpm <= 120) {
status = "High";
statusClass = "status-warning";
advice = "Your resting heart rate is higher than average. This can be caused by stress, caffeine, or recent activity. Retest after relaxing for 10 minutes.";
} else {
status = "Very High";
statusClass = "status-alert";
advice = "Your heart rate is well above the normal resting range. If this persists, consult a healthcare professional.";
}
// Refine logic based on Age/Gender context (Simplified norms)
// Average RHR tends to increase slightly with age or vary by gender
var avgStart = 60;
var avgEnd = 100;
// Provide specific text based on calculation
var detailedText = "Your calculated Resting Heart Rate is " + bpm + " BPM.";
if (age < 10) {
detailedText += "Note: Children normally have higher heart rates than adults.";
// Adjust status for children roughly
if(bpm > 70 && bpm < 120) {
status = "Normal (Child)";
statusClass = "status-normal";
advice = "Children have faster heart rates. 70-120 BPM is often normal for ages 1-10.";
}
}
// 6. Display Results
resultBox.style.display = "block";
bpmDisplay.innerHTML = bpm;
categoryBadge.className = "status-badge " + statusClass;
categoryBadge.innerText = status;
interpretationText.innerHTML = detailedText;
nhsAdvice.innerHTML = "Guidance: " + advice;
// Scroll to result
resultBox.scrollIntoView({behavior: "smooth"});
}