Free Tool
Blood Pressure Category Calculator
This calculator classifies a blood pressure reading against the ESC/ESH 2018 table used across Europe - seven bands from Optimal (under 120/80 mmHg) to Grade 3 (180/110 mmHg or higher). Enter your numbers to see your band.
See it in Sam
Track your readings, not just one result
This calculator classifies a single reading. Sam's High Blood Pressure program logs your systolic and diastolic numbers over time, alongside a monthly Mediterranean-diet check-in and your Apple Health trends.
A monthly diet check-in
Once a month, Sam asks the MEDAS-14 questionnaire - the same Mediterranean-diet-adherence tool used in clinical practice. It looks at diet only; medication and measurement habits are already tracked elsewhere in the app.
- Resting heart rate as a trend, not a snapshot
- Activity that actually counts
- A PDF for your doctor's visit
The full ESC/ESH 2018 table
| Category | Systolic (mmHg) | Diastolic (mmHg) |
|---|---|---|
| Optimal | < 120 | < 80 |
| Normal | 120-129 | 80-84 |
| High-normal | 130-139 | 85-89 |
| Grade 1 Hypertension | 140-159 | 90-99 |
| Grade 2 Hypertension | 160-179 | 100-109 |
| Grade 3 Hypertension | ≥ 180 | ≥ 110 |
| Isolated Systolic Hypertension | ≥ 140 | < 90 |
Sources
- Williams B, et al. 2018 ESC/ESH Guidelines for the management of arterial hypertension. European Heart Journal, 39(33), 3021-3104.
- American Heart Association. When To Call 911 About High Blood Pressure.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a diagnosis?+
No. This tool only looks up which ESC/ESH category your entered numbers fall into - the same table doctors use. A hypertension diagnosis requires repeated readings over time, home or ambulatory monitoring, or a doctor's assessment, not a single number.
Which blood pressure classification does this calculator use?+
The 2018 ESC/ESH guideline (European Society of Cardiology / European Society of Hypertension), the standard reference across Europe. The US-based AHA/ACC 2017 categories differ slightly in names and thresholds and are shown separately below, for reference only.
What does 'isolated systolic hypertension' mean?+
Only the systolic (top) number is elevated - 140 mmHg or higher - while the diastolic (bottom) number stays below 90 mmHg. It becomes more common with age as arteries stiffen.
What should I do if my reading is 180/120 mmHg or higher?+
Seek medical attention promptly - both ESC/ESH and AHA/ACC consider this a hypertensive crisis. Call emergency services if you also have symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or vision changes.
Does Sam measure blood pressure?+
No. Sam doesn't measure blood pressure - a cuff does, at home or in a doctor's office. This calculator only classifies a reading you enter yourself; Sam's own app shows resting heart rate, activity, and sleep trends as additional context.
Living with high blood pressure
Sam doesn't measure blood pressure - a cuff does, at home or in a doctor's office. Sam's High Blood Pressure program shows resting heart rate, activity, and sleep trends alongside your own readings, as a starting point for your next doctor conversation.
See the High Blood Pressure program