About this Pulse Pressure
While most people focus on the top (systolic) and bottom (diastolic) numbers, the *difference* between them—Pulse Pressure—is an important marker of arterial health and heart valve function.
Who this calculator is for
- Clinicians, students, and patients who already have systolic and diastolic values to compare.
- People trying to understand why a blood-pressure reading may be described as wide or narrow.
- Anyone learning how pulse pressure differs from mean arterial pressure.
When to use it
- Use this calculator when you want the simple systolic-minus-diastolic difference from a reading.
- Use it to compare serial blood-pressure patterns over time.
- Use it as a teaching tool alongside MAP and heart-workload concepts.
How to use this calculator
- Enter the Systolic BP (top number).
- Enter the Diastolic BP (bottom number).
- The tool calculates the gap in mmHg.
Key assumptions
- The output is based on one blood-pressure reading and may shift with repeat measurements.
- Pulse pressure is a descriptive marker and does not identify the cause of a wide or narrow pattern on its own.
- Interpretation depends on age, symptoms, medications, and the broader cardiovascular context.
Accuracy and testing
Review formula sources, default test cases, assumptions, unit handling, rounding rules, and changelog for this calculator.
Key Features
- Instant Calculation
- Private & Secure
- Mobile Optimized
Things to Keep in Mind
For educational purposes only. Single readings can vary significantly. Clinical decisions should not be based on this calculation alone.