Evidence guide · 5 min read
Normal respiratory rate by age
How many breaths per minute is normal, how to count yours properly, and when a fast rate is a warning sign.
Reviewed by Pulselens editorial · Updated 27 September 2026
A healthy adult at rest breathes about 12 to 20 times per minute. Children breathe faster, and the rate slows as they grow.
Breathing rate chart by age
| Age | Breaths per minute (resting) |
|---|---|
| Newborn (0–1 month) | 30–60 |
| Infant (1–12 months) | 30–50 |
| Toddler (1–3 years) | 24–40 |
| Preschool (3–5 years) | 22–34 |
| School age (6–12 years) | 18–30 |
| Teen (13–18 years) | 12–20 |
| Adult | 12–20 |
How to count it correctly
- Sit still for five minutes first.
- Count each rise of the chest for a full 60 seconds.
- Breathe naturally — knowing you are counting often slows it, so ask someone else to count if you can.
What raises or lowers it
Exercise, fever, anxiety, pain, heat and altitude raise breathing rate. Sleep and some medicines lower it. Fitness usually lowers resting breathing slightly.
Sources
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