MedDroidBreathing (respiratory) rate checker
Built by MedDroid · formulas from WHO IMCI fast-breathing cut-offs (children under 5)
Free · no sign-up · runs in your browserCount breaths for one minute and enter the number with the age group. You will see if it is in the usual range, fast or slow, and what to do next.
Breathing (respiratory) rate checker
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Your result
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How it works
For adults and teenagers, 12 to 20 breaths a minute at rest is the usual range. Above 24 or below 10 at rest means see a doctor urgently.
For children under 5, the checker uses the WHO Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) fast-breathing cut-offs: under 2 months 60 or more, 2 to 12 months 50 or more, 1 to 5 years 40 or more. Fast breathing means see a doctor today.
For children aged 6 to 12, about 18 to 30 breaths a minute is usual at rest (paediatric reference ranges). Outside this range means see a doctor today. Breathing well below the usual rate for a younger child (under 30 a minute before 2 months, under 25 at 2 to 12 months, under 20 at 1 to 5 years) is also flagged to see a doctor today.
Chest in-drawing, grunting, blue lips or being very hard to wake are emergency signs at any rate.
Related pages
Not a diagnosis. This tool gives a general estimate from a standard published formula. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a check-up by a qualified doctor. If you feel very unwell, call your local emergency number (India: 108 or 112).
Frequently asked questions
What is a normal breathing rate?
For adults, 12 to 20 breaths a minute at rest. Babies and young children breathe faster, which is why the cut-offs are higher for them.
What is fast breathing in a child?
The WHO uses 60 or more breaths a minute for babies under 2 months, 50 or more for 2 to 12 months, and 40 or more for children aged 1 to 5 years. Fast breathing can be a sign of pneumonia, so see a doctor today.
How do I count my baby's breathing?
Wait until your baby is calm or asleep. Lift the clothes so you can see the chest and tummy, and count each rise for a full 60 seconds. Babies' breathing is often irregular, so a full minute matters.
When is breathing an emergency?
If the lower chest sucks in with each breath, there is grunting, the lips look blue or grey, or the person is very hard to wake, call your local emergency number (India: 108 or 112).