What is normal?
A typical resting heart rate for adults is 60–100 bpm. Well-trained athletes are frequently 40–60 bpm because a stronger heart pumps more blood per beat. Children naturally run higher than adults.
How to measure it accurately
Measure when you’re rested and relaxed — ideally in the morning before getting up. Find your pulse at the wrist or neck, count the beats for 30 seconds and double it. Avoid measuring right after caffeine, exercise or stress.
What affects your resting heart rate
Fitness, age, air temperature, body position, emotions, caffeine, medication, dehydration and some health conditions all shift it. A lower resting rate generally reflects better cardiovascular fitness.
When to get it checked
See a clinician if your resting pulse is persistently above 100 bpm (tachycardia) or below 60 bpm with symptoms like dizziness, breathlessness or fainting — or if your heartbeat feels irregular.