Check your pulse by hand
Place two fingers on the inside of your wrist below the thumb, count the beats for 30 seconds and double the number. The counter below keeps the time and does the math.
Pulse counter
Find your pulse first, then start. Tap the big button every time you feel a beat.
Your number stays on this page. We do not save or send it.
How to find your pulse
Wrist (radial pulse)
- Turn one hand palm up.
- Put the index and middle fingers of your other hand on the thumb side of your wrist, just below the base of the thumb.
- Press gently with flat fingertips until you feel a beat.
Neck (carotid pulse)
- Sit or lie down first.
- Put two fingers in the soft hollow beside your windpipe, just below the jaw.
- Press gently. Check one side only, never both sides at once.
The wrist is the easiest place to start. Use the neck if you cannot feel your wrist pulse.
Can't feel your pulse?
- Move your fingertips a little toward the thumb or toward the middle of the wrist.
- Press a bit firmer, then a bit lighter. Pressing too hard can hide the beat.
- Warm cold hands and sit still for a few minutes.
- Try the other wrist, or the side of your neck.
What your number means
For most adults at rest, a normal pulse is 60 to 100 beats per minute [1][2]. Well-trained athletes can be between 40 and 60 [1].
One reading is a snapshot. Activity, caffeine, stress, fever and some medicines all change it, so measure after resting for a few minutes.
When to get help
Talk to a healthcare provider if your resting pulse is often above or below the normal range, or if it feels irregular [1][2]. A slow pulse together with tiredness, dizziness or fainting is not normal [2].
Call your local emergency number if you have chest pain, fainting, severe shortness of breath or sudden confusion.
Questions
How long should I count my pulse?
A full minute is the most reliable. Counting for 30 seconds and doubling is a common shortcut, and 15 seconds times 4 is quicker but less precise [1][2]. If the beats feel uneven, always count for a full minute.
Why tap instead of just counting?
Tapping keeps your place, and the counter handles the timing and the math, so you only have to focus on the beats. If you prefer to count in your head, enter the number in the box under the counter.
How accurate is a pulse check by hand?
Counting by hand is a standard way to check a pulse. Most errors come from missed beats and very short counts, so count for at least 30 seconds and repeat if the two numbers differ a lot.
Can this tell me if something is wrong with my heart?
No. It gives a pulse rate, not a diagnosis. If you are worried about your heart rate or rhythm, talk to a healthcare provider.
Sources
- MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Pulse (U.S. National Library of Medicine)
- Cleveland Clinic: Pulse — What It Is and How To Take It
This page explains a self-check. It does not diagnose any condition and does not replace care from a healthcare provider.
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