How to Calculate Heart Rate Manually

Heart rate is the number of times your heart beats per minute. It often fluctuates due to strenuous activity, anxiety and stress. Knowing how to calculate your heart rate manually can help you determine your resting heart rate which in turn helps you figure out a fitness plan. If you know your resting heart rate, you can also determine an elevated rate that would indicate a health problem or stressful environments. Calculating your heart rate manually is easy with the correct knowledge.

Things You'll Need

• Watch or clock

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  First, you'll need to determine the situation in which you'll be calculating your heart rate. A resting heart rate is best taken in the morning right after you wake up. This way there are no stressors or chemicals influencing the rate. For your elevated heart rate while exercising, plan to take your pulse at the height of your work out.

• 2

  Lightly press the tips of your index and middle fingers to either the radial artery in the center of your wrist or the carotid artery in your neck located right beside your windpipe. The pulsing sensation should be noticeable and rhythmic. Don't use your thumb to take your pulse.

• 3

  Monitor your pulse with a watch or clock with a second hand to count the number of beats you feel in 30 seconds. You can also use a digital stopwatch.

• 4

  Multiply that number by two to calculate your heart rate.