How to Take Breathing Rates

Set a timer for one minute to test your breathing rate.

Checking your breathing rate, or respiratory rate, is a way of testing your health. In addition to your blood pressure, pulse rate and body temperature, your breathing rate is a vital sign. Abnormalities in your vital signs may indicate illness or disease. You should check it if you are worried that your breathing rate is abnormal or you consistently feel short of breath. For an adult at rest, the normal breathing rate is between 15 and 20 breaths per minute -- anything under 12 or over 25 may be abnormal.

Things You'll Need

• Timer
• Pillow

Instructions

1. Lay down on a bed or the floor. Lay down on your back and place a pillow under your head for comfort.

2. Relax for a few minutes. You can only accurately test your breathing rate when your body is at rest.

3. Set your timer for one minute and start it. Count every time that your chest rises with a breath. When the timer runs out, compare your total to the normal breathing rate.

References

• UAB Medicine: Vital Signs
• University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics: Vital Signs: Temperature, Pulse, and Respiration