Short answer
Stage 1 hypertension is a systolic of 130–139 or a diastolic of 80–89. Stage 2 is a systolic of 140 or higher or a diastolic of 90 or higher. Either number alone is enough to put you in the higher stage.
1. Side by side
| Stage 1 | Stage 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Systolic (top) | 130–139 | 140 or higher |
| Diastolic (bottom) | 80–89 | 90 or higher |
| Rule | Either number | Either number |
2. Readings that decide it
| Reading | Stage | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 130/70 | Stage 1 | Systolic 130 |
| 118/82 | Stage 1 | Diastolic 82 |
| 138/88 | Stage 1 | Both in stage 1 |
| 138/92 | Stage 2 | Diastolic 92 outranks systolic 138 |
| 142/84 | Stage 2 | Systolic 142 |
| 180/110 | Stage 2 | 180 is not above 180 |
3. Where stage 2 ends
A reading higher than 180 systolic and/or higher than 120 diastolic is classed as severe hypertension. Recheck after a minute, and follow the steps in the hypertensive crisis guide.
4. Check your own category
Enter your readings in the Blood Pressure Category Calculator. The full chart is in the blood pressure chart explained. A clinician decides on any treatment from the pattern of your readings and your overall risk.
5. Frequently asked questions
What is stage 1 hypertension?expand_more
A systolic of 130–139 or a diastolic of 80–89.
What is stage 2 hypertension?expand_more
A systolic of 140 or higher or a diastolic of 90 or higher.
Is 140/90 stage 1 or stage 2?expand_more
Stage 2, because a systolic of 140 or a diastolic of 90 is enough.
Is 180/110 a hypertensive crisis?expand_more
Not by the numbers alone: 180 is not higher than 180, so it is stage 2. A systolic above 180 or a diastolic above 120 is severe.