Calculate estimated mean arterial pressure and pulse pressure from systolic and diastolic blood pressure, or solve for a missing BP value in mmHg.

Use systolic and diastolic pressures from the same reading.

Educational estimate, most applicable at normal resting heart rate. Reverse solves estimate an equation value, not a measured blood pressure. Symptoms or concerning readings require medical assessment.

Note: This calculator provides educational estimates, not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment guidance. It uses the resting-heart-rate approximation; inverse solves do not replace measured blood pressure. For chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, confusion, severe headache, or very high/low or concerning readings, seek urgent medical care. Consult your clinician for interpretation and clinical targets.

MAP Formula

The following formula is commonly used to calculate mean arterial pressure (MAP) as an approximation (especially at normal resting heart rates).

MAP ≈ (SBP + 2 × DBP) / (3)
  • Where MAP is mean arterial pressure
  • SBP is systolic blood pressure
  • DBP is diastolic blood pressure

To estimate MAP, add the systolic pressure to two times the diastolic pressure, then divide by 3.

MAP Definition

MAP stands for mean arterial pressure (also called mean arterial blood pressure). It is the average pressure in the arteries during a single cardiac cycle. MAP can be estimated from systolic and diastolic blood pressure using the approximation below.

In clinical practice, blood pressure is commonly reported as systolic/diastolic (for example, 120/80 mmHg). MAP is often displayed on monitors and referenced as an indicator used alongside other findings, especially in critical care. Heart rate is communicated separately in beats per minute (bpm).

How to calculate MAP

The following example is a step-by-step guide on how to calculate MAP.

  1. First, the formula above needs to be analyzed to determine what missing variables need to be measured or determined. By looking at the equation you can see that both the SBP and DBP are required.
  2. The next step is to measure the SBP. This is typically done with a medical device. For this example, we will assume the SBP to be 120 mmHg.
  3. Next, the DBP must be determined. For this example, we will assume the DBP to be 80 mmHg.
  4. Finally, enter all of the information gathered above into the formula. So, MAP = (120 + 2 × 80) / 3 = 280 / 3 = 93.33 mmHg.
  5. Verify the entered measurements and calculation. A calculated MAP does not establish that blood pressure is normal or provide a treatment target.

FAQ

What is MAP?

MAP is the average pressure in the arteries during a single cardiac cycle.

Calculator Change Log:

  • Current version: estimated MAP, equation-based SBP/DBP solves, pulse pressure, validated saved inputs and explicit approximation limits.

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