What is the average heart rate for children?
The average heart rate or pulse rate for a child is generally higher than the average heart rate of an adult. Most children (between 3 and 12 years old) have an average heart rate between 80 and 110 beats per minute. Children 12 years and older normally have an heart rate between 60 and 100 beats per minute.
In the table below you can see the average heart rate per age category:
| Age category | Average heart rate |
| Adults | 60 to 80 heartbeats per minute |
| Children | 80 to 110 heartbeats per minute |
| Babies | 110 to 130 heartbeats per minute |
Why do children have on average a higher heart rate than adults?
Since children have a smaller heart than adults, their heart has to beat more often in order to pump round the blood. As you get older and your heart grows, your heart rate will also decline.
How can you measure the average heart rate of children?
Just like with adults, you can measure a child’s heart rate by placing your finger on their artery (throat / wrist) for a minute and measuring the number of heartbeats. Make sure that the child is relaxed when you do this, otherwise you won’t be able to measure the average heart rate correctly. If you repeat this every day at the same time for a week, you can calculate your child’s average heart rate.
See besides average heart rate children also:
Average Blood Pressure
Average Child Height
Average Child Weight