Normal Vital Signs

Updated: Nov 01, 2018

Author: Edward Charbek, MD, FCCP; Chief Editor: Buck Christensen

Normal Vital Signs

In most medical settings, the four standard primary vital signs are as follows:[1]

Heart rate (pulse)
Respiratory rate
Blood pressure
Body temperature

Normal values for each of these vital signs vary by age and, in some cases, by sex. They may also vary based on weight, exercise capability, and overall health.

In healthy adults at rest, normal values are as follows:

Heart rate (pulse): 60-100 bpm
Respiratory rate: 16-20 breaths per minute
Blood pressure: 120/80 mm Hg
Temperature: 98°F (36.6°C) to 98.6°F (37°C)

Normal Heart Rate

Table 1. Normal Heart Rate by Age (Open Table in a new window)

Approximate Age Range	Heart Rate
Newborn	100-160
0-5 months	90-150
6-12 months	80-140
1-3 years	80-130
3-5 years	80-120
6-10 years	70-110
11-14 years	60-105
15 years or older	60-100

Normal Respiratory Rate

Table 2. Normal Respiratory Rate by Age (Open Table in a new window)

Approximate Age Range	Respiratory Rate
Newborn	30-50
0-5 months	25-40
6-12 months	20-30
1-3 years	20-30
3-5 years	20-30
6-10 years	15-30
11-14 years	12-20
15-20 years	12-30
Adults	16-20

Normal Blood Pressure

The normal blood pressure in adults is 120 (systolic)/80 (diastolic). Normal blood pressure in children and adolescents varies by age.

Table 3. Normal Blood Pressure by Age in Children and Adolescents (Open Table in a new window)

Approximate Age Range	Systolic Range	Diastolic Range
1-12 months	75-100	50-70
1-4 years	80-110	50-80
3-5 years	80-110	50-80
6-13 years	85-120	55-80
13-18 years	95-140	60-90

Normal Body Temperature

The average normal core temperature is generally considered to be between 98.0°F (36.6°C) and 98.6°F (37°C) when measured orally and about 1°F higher when measured rectally.[2]

Normal Vital Signs