Health guide · For research & reference only
Normal Resting Heart Rate by Age (With Chart)
Short answer: for most healthy adults, a normal resting heart rate is about 60–100 beats per minute (bpm). Trained athletes often sit lower (40–60 bpm). Children's normal ranges are higher and change with age.
Your resting heart rate is measured when you are calm, seated, and have not just exercised, had caffeine, or been ill. One number is rarely the whole story — trends and symptoms matter more than a single reading.
Resting heart rate chart (general reference)
| Age group | Approximate normal range (bpm) |
|---|---|
| Newborn (0–1 mo) | 100–160 |
| Infant (1–11 mo) | 80–160 |
| Toddler (1–2 y) | 80–130 |
| Child (3–4 y) | 80–120 |
| Child (5–9 y) | 75–110 |
| Child (10–15 y) | 60–100 |
| Adult | 60–100 |
| Well-trained athlete | 40–60 |
Ranges are population references and vary by source and by the individual's fitness, medications and health conditions. Always interpret with a clinician.
What makes your heart rate higher or lower?
Higher (temporarily): exercise, stress or anxiety, fever, dehydration, caffeine, some medications (e.g., decongestants), pregnancy, thyroid issues.
Lower: good cardiovascular fitness, sleep, some medications (e.g., beta-blockers), hypothyroidism in some cases, age-related changes in the heart's electrical system.
When to talk to a doctor (not an emergency list)
Worth mentioning to a clinician if you notice:
- Resting rate consistently above 100 bpm without a clear cause (tachycardia).
- Resting rate below 60 bpm with symptoms such as dizziness, fainting or fatigue (bradycardia concerns).
- A sudden change in your usual pattern.
- Heart rate that stays very high after mild activity, or irregular-feeling beats that are new.
If you have chest pain, difficulty breathing, fainting, or think you may be having a heart problem, call your local emergency number now — this guide is not for emergencies.
How to measure it properly
- Sit quietly for 5 minutes.
- Place two fingers on your wrist (radial pulse) or neck (carotid, gentle).
- Count beats for 30 seconds and multiply by 2 (or 60 seconds for accuracy).
- Repeat a few mornings in a row for a trend rather than relying on one reading.
Frequently asked questions
Is 90 bpm normal?
Yes — it is within the normal adult range, but it is worth noting your usual baseline. Persistent high-normal rates deserve a chat with your doctor if you have symptoms or risk factors.
Is 55 bpm good?
For many fit people, yes. If it is 55 with no symptoms and you exercise regularly, it is usually a sign of fitness. If you feel dizzy or faint, ask a clinician.
Does age change heart rate?
Children naturally have higher rates; they gradually fall toward adult ranges by the teenage years.
Can stress raise my resting heart rate?
Yes, significantly and temporarily. Try measuring after 5 calm minutes, on several days.
Should I worry about heart palpitations?
Occasional brief "skips" are common. New, frequent, or paired with chest pain/dizziness/fainting → seek medical care promptly.
More resources
- American Heart Association — all about heart rate: heart.org
- MedlinePlus — pulse: medlineplus.gov/pulse.html
*BuddyDoc provides general health information for research and reference only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider about a medical condition. In an emergency, call your local emergency number. → Ask BuddyDoc free for 7 days: vital24.vip/app*