Normal Blood Pressure by Age (Easy-to-Read Table)

Blood pressure naturally fluctuates throughout the day and also changes across life stages. However, the basic definition of “normal” blood pressure in adults generally does not vary by age: a value below 120/80 mmHg is considered normal, and the diagnostic categories (elevated blood pressure, stage 1 and stage 2 hypertension) are defined by fixed thresholds. In children, assessment is different—percentile charts are used based on age, sex, and height.

At-a-glance table: “normal” values and recommended targets by age

How to read the table: The “What’s ‘normal’” column describes what is considered healthy/desirable. The “Hypertension threshold (diagnosis)” column shows the cutoff at which high blood pressure is considered. The last column summarizes the most commonly used treatment targets (if you already have diagnosed hypertension) according to well-regarded European and global guidelines—always individualized in agreement with your doctor.

Age group	What’s “normal”	Hypertension threshold (diagnosis)	Recommended treatment target*
0–12 years (children)	Value < 90th percentile for age/sex/height	≥ 95th percentile (on repeated measurements)	Target is < 90th percentile; assessed using pediatric charts.
13–17 years (adolescents)	< 120/80 mmHg	≥ 130/80 mmHg (standard “adult” thresholds for teens)	Generally, target < 130/80 mmHg once diagnosed, depending on condition and risk.
18–64 years (adults)	< 120/80 mmHg	≥ 130/80 mmHg (AHA/ACC categories)	EU approach: first < 140/90, and if well tolerated, aim for < 130/80; US approach: target < 130/80 in many patients.
65–79 years (older adults)	Same “normal” as for adults	Diagnostic thresholds do not change; context matters	EU approach: target < 140/90; if tolerated, consider 130–139 systolic; individualize based on frailty and symptoms.
≥ 80 years	Same “normal” as for adults	Diagnostic thresholds do not change; context matters	EU approach: often targets 140–150 systolic; more aggressive targets only if safely tolerated.

* Note: WHO recommends that most adults with hypertension aim for < 140/90 mmHg and < 130 mmHg systolic in those with established cardiovascular disease; the specific target is always set by a physician based on comorbidities and treatment tolerance.

Blood pressure categories for adults (quick reference)

In adults (including teens aged 13 and up), the following scale is often used: normal < 120/80 mmHg, elevated 120–129 and < 80 mmHg, stage 1 hypertension 130–139 or 80–89 mmHg, stage 2 hypertension ≥ 140 or ≥ 90 mmHg, severe hypertension ≥ 180/120 mmHg (if accompanied by symptoms—this is an acute condition requiring urgent care).

Why children’s charts differ from adults’

In children and prepubertal adolescents, blood pressure is strongly influenced by height and physical development. That’s why a percentile-based approach is used, comparing a child to peers of the same height and sex. From age 13, there is a clear shift to “adult” cutoffs (120/80, 130/80, etc.) to make the transition into adulthood simpler and diagnosis more consistent. If you have a home monitor, don’t interpret a child’s readings on your own—results should be assessed by a pediatrician using official charts.

How to measure blood pressure correctly so the result isn’t misleading

Before measuring, sit quietly for at least 5 minutes; avoid caffeine and smoking for at least 30 minutes; empty your bladder; and measure while seated with your back supported and your forearm supported at heart level. The cuff has to fit—too small falsely increases readings, too large lowers them. Take 2–3 readings one minute apart and average them; measure morning and evening for several days in a row. For home monitoring, write the readings down or export them from a validated device.

When to take it seriously and see a doctor

If you repeatedly measure ≥ 130/80 mmHg, talk to your doctor—especially if you have diabetes, kidney disease, a history of stroke or heart attack, or if you smoke. If you have ≥ 180/120 mmHg along with symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, speech difficulties, or vision changes, this is an emergency—call emergency services. In older adults and frail patients, targets are set more conservatively to help prevent dizziness, falls, and worsening kidney function.

What if my doctor’s recommendation differs from my friends’?

Differences between approaches are legitimate. European guidelines have traditionally used a “two-step” target (first < 140/90 mmHg, then—if tolerated—aiming toward < 130/80 mmHg), and in older people a slightly higher systolic range can be reasonable. WHO, in turn, globally recommends < 140/90 mmHg for most adults and lower targets in those with established cardiovascular disease. Your doctor therefore considers age, coexisting conditions, medications, fall risk, and your tolerance of therapy.

Video: How to measure your blood pressure at home (short guide)

Watch this practical video guide from the American Heart Association—it briefly shows body position, how to use the cuff, and proper timing of measurements:

Sources

1. American Heart Association – Understanding Blood Pressure Readings. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings
2. World Health Organization – 2021 Guideline on the pharmacological treatment of hypertension.https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240033986 (free summaries are also available on PMC: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9107389/)
3. Whelton PK et al. Editors’ Commentary on the 2023 ESH Management of Arterial Hypertension. (overview of target values in the EU): https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10527435/
4. Implications of the 2017 AAP Clinical Practice Guidelines for Pediatric Hypertension. (adolescents ≥13 transition to “adult” thresholds): https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6705594/