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Counting Respiration Rate

The respiration rate is the rate at which a person breathes. It increases with fever and some illnesses. The best time to count the respiration rate is when a person is resting, perhaps after you take the person's pulse while your fingers are still on the person's wrist. The person's breathing is likely to change if he or she knows you are counting it.

  • Count the number of times the chest rises in 1 full minute.
  • Notice whether there is any sucking in beneath the ribs or any apparent wheezing or difficulty breathing.

Normal resting breathing rate:

  • Newborn to 6 months: 30–60 breaths per minute
  • 6–12 months: 24–30 breaths per minute
  • 1–5 years: 20–30 breaths per minute
  • 6–12 years: 12–20 breaths per minute
By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Brian D. O'Brien, MD - Internal Medicine
Last Revised April 19, 2011

Last Revised: April 19, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Brian D. O'Brien, MD - Internal Medicine

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