Last updated October 8, 2026 · Report an error
Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) estimates the average arterial pressure across the cardiac cycle using the standard, widely known formula: MAP = DBP + (1/3) x (SBP - DBP). The commonly cited normal range is roughly 70-100 mmHg. This calculator is for general reference and educational purposes only — it is not a medical diagnosis. Consult a doctor for actual blood pressure assessment.
How it works
Enter systolic and diastolic blood pressure (both mmHg). The tool applies the standard MAP formula.
- Enter systolic blood pressure (mmHg).
- Enter diastolic blood pressure (mmHg).
- Click Calculate to see your results.
Examples
Blood pressure 120/80 mmHg
MAP = 80 + (1/3)(120-80) = 80 + 13.33 = 93.33 mmHg.
Who should use it
- Estimating MAP from a routine blood pressure reading.
- Physiology and nursing education about blood pressure components.
Industry applications
- Cardiology and critical care reference
- Nursing and paramedic education
Advantages
- Simple, well-known, widely taught formula.
- Requires only the two numbers from a standard blood pressure reading.
Limitations
- An approximation — true MAP can be measured directly with arterial line monitoring in clinical settings.
- A single snapshot — trends over time are more clinically informative.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Averaging systolic and diastolic pressure directly (a simple average) instead of using the correct 1/3-2/3 weighted formula.
- Using a single blood pressure reading rather than an average of multiple readings for a more reliable MAP.
Best practices
- Use an averaged or repeated blood pressure reading, taken under consistent conditions, for the most meaningful MAP.
Tips
- MAP is often used alongside other hemodynamic parameters (like cerebral perfusion pressure) for a fuller clinical picture.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, with no signup and no limit on how many calculations you run.
The heart spends roughly two-thirds of each cardiac cycle in diastole, so the standard MAP formula weights diastolic pressure more heavily than systolic pressure to approximate the true time-averaged pressure.
A commonly cited normal range is roughly 70-100 mmHg, though target ranges in clinical settings can vary by patient and condition.
No — this is a standard arithmetic formula. Consult a doctor for actual blood pressure assessment.