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Pediatric Blood Pressure Calculator

Classify your child's blood pressure using the AAP 2017 simplified screening table. Returns a risk category based on age, sex, and measured values.

1 – 17 years

e.g. 110

e.g. 70

Enter age, sex, and both systolic and diastolic blood pressure to see the category.

How it works

The AAP 2017 guideline (Flynn et al., Pediatrics 2017) defines pediatric BP percentiles by age, sex, and height. This calculator uses the simplified screening table at the 5th height percentile — the most conservative, sensitive threshold. If your child's BP is below it, hypertension is very unlikely. From age 13 the AHA adult thresholds apply (120/80, 130/80, 140/90).

This estimate is not a diagnosis. Accurate classification requires multiple measurements on different days, the correct cuff size, and clinical evaluation. Symptoms such as headache, vision changes, or chest pain warrant immediate medical attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ages does this calculator cover?+
Children and adolescents from 1 to 17 years. Infants under 1 year use different reference values — please consult your pediatrician. For adults, use our standard blood pressure calculator.
Why do pediatric BP thresholds depend on age and sex?+
Blood pressure rises with growth and maturation. Boys and girls diverge especially after puberty. That is why pediatric BP percentiles are sex- and age-specific — a reading of 120/80 is pathologic for a 5-year-old but normal for a 16-year-old.
Why does cuff size matter?+
The cuff bladder must encircle 80 % of the arm circumference and cover ~40 % of arm length. A cuff that is too small falsely elevates the reading — one of the most common errors in pediatric BP.
How often should children have their BP checked?+
Per AAP, BP should be measured at every well-child visit from age 3. Children with risk factors (obesity, prematurity, kidney disease, congenital heart disease) need earlier and more frequent measurement.
When is high BP a pediatric emergency?+
Very high readings (well above the 95th + 12 mmHg) combined with symptoms — severe headache, visual changes, vomiting, chest pain, altered mental status — are emergencies and require 911 / pediatric ED. Without symptoms, prompt evaluation in 1 week is usually sufficient.
What causes high BP in children?+
Younger children mostly have secondary hypertension (renal disease, coarctation of the aorta, endocrine causes). Adolescents more often have primary hypertension, frequently associated with obesity, low activity, and a positive family history.
What can parents do?+
Encourage 60 minutes of daily activity, a low-salt vegetable-rich diet, adequate sleep, manage overweight, and limit screen time. Confirmed hypertension warrants a pediatrician visit and possibly a pediatric hypertension clinic.

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Background

Pediatric Blood Pressure: Understanding the AAP 2017 Percentiles

8 min