CPR Compression Rate Calculator

Work out cpr compression rate instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About CPR Compression Rate Calculator

Compression time is the count divided by the target rate, breaths add about 2.5 seconds each, and the actual delivered rate accounts for that interruption. Interruptions for breaths cut delivered compressions well below the target rate, which is why guidelines emphasise minimising pauses above all else.

Formulas

Cycle time

seconds = compressions x 60 / target rate + breaths x 2.5

Delivered rate

compressions per minute = compressions x 60 / cycle time

Worked example

With the default values below, CPR Compression Rate Calculator returns Time for one full cycle of 21.36. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Compressions per cycleminimum 1: 30
Rescue breaths per cycleminimum 0: 2
Target compression rateaccepts 60–140 per min: 110 per min

Results

Time for one full cycle: 21.36 s
Actual compressions delivered per minute: 84.3
Cycles in a two minute rescuer shift: 5.62
Interval between compressions: 0.545 s

Step by step

1Values used
2Cycle time
3Delivered rate
4Time for one full cycle= 21.36 s
5Actual compressions delivered per minute= 84.3
6Cycles in a two minute rescuer shift= 5.62
7Interval between compressions= 0.545 s

Assumptions and limits

The result is derived only from the 3 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax, fees or charges or compounding frequency into account.
Figures are rounded for display to 3 decimal places, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.
Timing reference only. Follow current resuscitation council guidance and accredited training, not a calculator, in a real emergency.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Timing reference only. Follow current resuscitation council guidance and accredited training, not a calculator, in a real emergency.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the CPR Compression Rate figure worked out?

seconds = compressions x 60 / target rate + breaths x 2.5. Compression time is the count divided by the target rate, breaths add about 2.5 seconds each, and the actual delivered rate accounts for that interruption.

Why does this matter?

Interruptions for breaths cut delivered compressions well below the target rate, which is why guidelines emphasise minimising pauses above all else.

What do I need to enter?

Enter compressions per cycle, rescue breaths per cycle, target compression rate. The defaults shown are a realistic worked example — swap in your own figures to get a result you can use.