Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) Calculator

What is mean arterial pressure?

Mean arterial pressure (MAP) is an estimate of the average pressure in the arteries over one complete cardiac cycle. It combines systolic and diastolic pressure into a single value expressed in mmHg.

MAP can be useful as a reference for the pressure driving blood flow to the organs, especially in clinical settings. It should not be interpreted on its own: perfusion also depends on other factors and each person’s condition.

How is MAP calculated?

The standard clinical formula gives diastolic pressure twice the weight because, at usual heart rates, the heart spends more time in diastole than in systole.

• SBP: systolic blood pressure, the upper number in the reading.
• DBP: diastolic blood pressure, the lower number in the reading.
• PP: pulse pressure, calculated as SBP − DBP.

Worked example

For a blood pressure reading of 120/80 mmHg, the systolic pressure is 120 and the diastolic pressure is 80.

In this example, the calculator shows an estimated MAP of 93.3 mmHg and a pulse pressure of 40 mmHg.

What does the result mean?

There is no single MAP value that is appropriate for every person and situation. Targets may vary according to age, usual blood pressure, previous conditions, medications and the clinical context.

An isolated result does not diagnose hypertension, hypotension or a perfusion problem. If you have symptoms, repeatedly abnormal readings or a medical emergency, contact a healthcare professional.

How to measure blood pressure

The quality of the result depends on the reliability of the original reading. For a more consistent measurement:

• Rest while seated for a few minutes before measuring your blood pressure.
• Keep your back supported, your feet on the floor and your arm supported at heart level.
• Use a correctly sized cuff and place it on the bare upper arm, following the device instructions.
• Avoid talking during the measurement and consider repeating it to confirm an unexpected reading.

Calculator limitations

True MAP is obtained by integrating pressure over the cardiac cycle. This tool uses the standard formula as an approximation based on systolic and diastolic values, so it may differ from a direct measurement or the MAP displayed by some monitors.

This calculator is for informational and educational purposes. It cannot diagnose disease, adjust medication or determine treatment. Do not use it to delay urgent medical care.

Sources and references

The formula and general information in this tool were checked against the following medical sources:

1. NCBI Bookshelf: Blood Pressure Measurement.
2. American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology: guideline for blood pressure in adults.
3. Heart: formula and nomogram for estimating mean arterial pressure.