A single blood-pressure reading is only a snapshot — but knowing which category a reading falls into is the first step to understanding it. Enter a systolic and diastolic value below and this tool will classify it against the two most widely used guidelines: the American (ACC/AHA 2017) and the European (ESC 2024).
Measure it properly first
Categories assume a correctly measured reading: seated and rested for five minutes, back supported, feet flat, arm at heart height, and the average of two or three readings. A diagnosis of hypertension is never made on one reading in a clinic — it needs repeated or out-of-office measurements. See how to measure blood pressure correctly before you trust any number.
How the categories are defined
ACC/AHA 2017: Normal <120/80 · Elevated 120–129 (and <80) · Stage 1 130–139 or 80–89 · Stage 2 ≥140 or ≥90 · Hypertensive crisis >180 and/or >120.
ESC 2024: Non-elevated <120/70 · Elevated 120–139 and/or 70–89 · Hypertension ≥140 and/or ≥90. The 2024 ESC guideline replaced the older optimal / high-normal / grade 1–3 system with these three categories. When systolic and diastolic fall in different bands, the higher category applies.
Frequently asked questions
What is a normal blood pressure?
Under the US (ACC/AHA) guideline, normal is below 120/80 mmHg. The European (ESC) guideline calls below 120/80 optimal and 120–129/80–84 normal. A reading should be measured correctly and confirmed over several days before it means much.
What blood pressure is too high?
130/80 mmHg or above is stage 1 hypertension on the US guideline, and 140/90 or above is stage 2. A reading over 180 and/or 120 is a hypertensive crisis that needs prompt medical attention.
Why do the US and European blood pressure categories differ?
The 2017 US (ACC/AHA) guideline lowered the threshold for hypertension to 130/80, while the European (ESC/ESH) guideline keeps 140/90 as grade 1. This tool shows both so you can see where a reading falls on each.