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Calculate and interpret respiratory rate with age-specific normal ranges
Count chest rises or exhalations
| Age Group | Normal Range | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn (0-1 month) | 30-60 breaths/min | ~40 |
| Infant (1-12 months) | 30-50 breaths/min | ~35 |
| Toddler (1-3 years) | 24-40 breaths/min | ~30 |
| Preschool (3-6 years) | 22-34 breaths/min | ~26 |
| School Age (6-12 years) | 18-30 breaths/min | ~22 |
| Adolescent (12-18 years) | 12-20 breaths/min | ~16 |
| Adult (18+ years) | 12-20 breaths/min | ~14 |
Normal respiratory rate varies significantly by age. Adults typically breathe 12-20 times per minute at rest, while newborns may breathe 30-60 times per minute. Children fall between these ranges based on their age.
Counting for longer periods improves accuracy. Breathing can be irregular, and shorter counting periods may miss this variability. The 30-second count multiplied by 2 is a good compromise between accuracy and practicality.
Many factors affect respiratory rate: physical activity, fever, anxiety, pain, medications, lung conditions, heart problems, and metabolic disturbances. Even being aware that breaths are being counted can alter the rate.
Not always. Temporary tachypnea during exercise, fever, or anxiety is normal. However, persistent tachypnea at rest, especially with other symptoms like chest pain, cyanosis, or confusion, requires medical evaluation.
Infants have smaller lungs and higher metabolic rates relative to their body size. They need to breathe more frequently to meet their oxygen demands. Their respiratory muscles are also less developed, making each breath smaller.
Respiratory rate measures breaths per minute, while heart rate measures heartbeats per minute. Both are vital signs that can indicate the body's stress response. A normal ratio in adults is approximately 1 breath for every 4-5 heartbeats.
This calculator provides estimates based on published normal ranges. Individual variation exists, and clinical context is essential for interpretation. Always correlate respiratory rate with other vital signs and clinical findings. Seek medical attention for concerning respiratory patterns. This tool is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical assessment.