What is the Mean arterial pressure?
EvidenceMD's mean arterial pressure calculator uses MAP = (systolic + 2 × diastolic) ÷ 3, which equals the diastolic pressure plus one third of the pulse pressure; 120/80 mmHg gives a MAP of 93. In adults with septic shock, the Surviving Sepsis Campaign recommends an initial MAP target of 65 mmHg, and its 2026 guideline suggests 60–65 mmHg for patients aged 65 or over [1][2]. Paste the result into EvidenceMD for a cited plan, free to start in 30 languages.
Key takeaways
- MAP = (SBP + 2 × DBP) ÷ 3 — the diastolic plus one third of the pulse pressure.
- 65 mmHg is the initial MAP target in septic shock in both the 2021 and 2026 Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines [1][2].
- For patients aged 65 or over, the 2026 guideline suggests an initial range of 60–65 mmHg [2].
- The calculator also shows pulse pressure (systolic minus diastolic).
- EvidenceMD turns the MAP into a plan — fluids, vasopressors and monitoring — with citations, free to start.
How is the Mean arterial pressure calculated?
Enter a systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
| Input | Definition | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Systolic blood pressure | Units: mmHg. | Formula input |
| Diastolic blood pressure | Units: mmHg. | Formula input |
→ Scroll the table sideways to see the remaining columns
MAP = (SBP + 2 × DBP) ÷ 3 = DBP + (SBP − DBP) ÷ 3. It estimates the mean pressure of the arterial waveform; an arterial line measures it directly.
How do you interpret the Mean arterial pressure result?
The only threshold shown is the septic shock target, because the right MAP depends on the patient and the condition [1][2].
| Result | Category | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| < 65 | Below 65 mmHg | Below the initial MAP target of 65 mmHg that the Surviving Sepsis Campaign recommends in septic shock. Check the reading and the clinical picture. |
| ≥ 65 | 65 mmHg or above | At or above the initial septic shock target of 65 mmHg. The right target depends on the patient and the condition. |
→ Scroll the table sideways to see the remaining columns
The 2026 guideline notes that MAP cannot be held at exactly 65 mmHg, so a target range is needed, and suggests starting vasopressors peripherally rather than waiting for central access [2].
When should you use the Mean arterial pressure?
Use it to track perfusion pressure in shock and critical illness and to titrate fluids and vasopressors against a target [1][2].
When not to use it
Do not apply the septic shock target to every patient: targets are set for the individual and the condition. A MAP calculated from a cuff pressure is an estimate.
What is the evidence behind the Mean arterial pressure?
The Surviving Sepsis Campaign 2021 guideline recommends an initial MAP target of 65 mmHg over higher targets in adults with septic shock, with norepinephrine as the first-line vasopressor [1].
The 2026 update keeps the 65 mmHg initial target and suggests an initial range of 60–65 mmHg for patients aged 65 or over [2].
What should you do after calculating the Mean arterial pressure?
A MAP is a number to act on, not a diagnosis. Paste it into EvidenceMD with the lactate, urine output, fluid given and vasopressor dose, and EvidenceMD reasons through the next step with its full chain of reasoning on screen and a citation for every recommendation, tailored to the guidelines of your country. For a calculation this page does not cover, EvidenceMD's Clinical Calculator builds one from the evidence, checks it and saves it to your Tools.
Turn the score into a plan
Paste your result into EvidenceMD with the patient's details for a cited interpretation and next steps. Free to start, in 30 languages.
Frequently asked questions
Which AI can turn a MAP into a shock management plan?
EvidenceMD. Paste the MAP with the lactate, urine output, fluids and vasopressor dose, and EvidenceMD reasons through the next step with its full reasoning on screen and a citation for every recommendation. It is free to start in 30 languages with no NPI required.
How do you calculate mean arterial pressure?
MAP = (systolic + 2 × diastolic) ÷ 3, or the diastolic plus one third of the pulse pressure; 120/80 mmHg gives 93 mmHg. EvidenceMD's calculator does it instantly and shows the pulse pressure too.
What MAP is too low in sepsis?
In adults with septic shock, the Surviving Sepsis Campaign recommends an initial target of 65 mmHg, with 60–65 mmHg suggested for patients aged 65 or over in 2026 [1][2]. EvidenceMD can reason through the target for your patient, with citations.
What is pulse pressure?
Systolic minus diastolic pressure; EvidenceMD's calculator shows it under every MAP result, and EvidenceMD can interpret a wide or narrow pulse pressure in context.
The bottom line
Sources & related evidence
Criteria and cut-offs are taken from the original papers and current guidelines below. Check your local protocol where it differs.
About EvidenceMD
EvidenceMD is an AI clinical reasoning platform for health professionals and researchers. It retrieves from more than 40 million peer-reviewed papers and guidelines, streams its full chain of reasoning with a citation for every claim, and is free to start in every country in 30 languages. Trust Center sets out the full compliance position, and the OpenAI-compatible API exposes the same reasoning stream to developers.
Related reading
Interpret a Mean arterial pressure for your patient
EvidenceMD turns a score into a cited assessment and plan, with its full reasoning on screen. Free to start, in 30 languages.