Blood Pressure 120 Over 40–110: Which Are OK?
With an upper value of 120, the answer depends on your lower number. Here are all readings, sorted by what they mean.
On its own, a systolic (upper) value of 120 mmHg is Normal by the international categories (2023 ESH guideline) and Elevated under the 2025 AHA/ACC guideline. The worse of your two numbers decides the category, so a raised diastolic (lower) value moves a 120 reading up: from 120/85 it counts as high normal, from 120/90 it counts as stage 1, from 120/100 it counts as stage 2, from 120/110 it counts as stage 3. Readings below 120/60 have a pulse pressure above 60 mmHg — a wide gap that is common after 60 and worth mentioning to your doctor.
Normal 120/40 to 120/84
- 120/40 ↓
- 120/41 ↓
- 120/42 ↓
- 120/43 ↓
- 120/44 ↓
- 120/45 ↓
- 120/46 ↓
- 120/47 ↓
- 120/48 ↓
- 120/49 ↓
- 120/50
- 120/51
- 120/52
- 120/53
- 120/54
- 120/55
- 120/56
- 120/57
- 120/58
- 120/59
- 120/60
- 120/61
- 120/62
- 120/63
- 120/64
- 120/65
- 120/66
- 120/67
- 120/68
- 120/69
- 120/70
- 120/71
- 120/72
- 120/73
- 120/74
- 120/75
- 120/76
- 120/77
- 120/78
- 120/79
- 120/80
- 120/81
- 120/82
- 120/83
- 120/84
↓ = the lower number is below 50: these readings count as normal by the upper number, but the low lower number needs checking — see each page.
Hypertension stage 1 120/90 to 120/99
Hypertension stage 2 120/100 to 120/109
Hypertension stage 3 120/110
What to do with a reading of 120 over …
Normal internationally, though above the ideal of under 120 (the US calls it elevated). Re-check once or twice a year and keep an eye on salt, weight and exercise. From 120/110 the lower number makes it stage 3: sit quietly for 5 minutes and measure again; if it stays at 110 or higher, contact a doctor the same day, and call 911 (US) or your local emergency number with chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness or weakness, vision or speech problems, confusion or a severe headache. A lower number below 50 (from 120/49 down) is clearly low: measure again, and if it is confirmed or you feel dizzy, faint or confused, contact a doctor the same day. Keep your readings in a free blood pressure log and read how to measure correctly.
Sources: ESH 2023 guideline · AHA/ACC 2025 guideline.