ClearBreathsWhat is the breathing rate counter?
Your respiratory rate is simply how many breaths you take per minute at rest. For a healthy adult that’s usually 12–20; children breathe faster. Counting it is a quick window into how relaxed — or revved up — your nervous system is, since stress and anxiety push the rate up and shallow.
To get an honest reading, don’t try to control your breath — that changes the number. Just breathe as you normally would and tap with each exhale for 30 seconds. The tool doubles it to a per-minute rate and tells you where you sit against the typical range for your age group.
How to use it
- Sit still and breathe normally for a few breaths — don’t change anything.
- Press Start and tap the big button once each time you breathe out.
- Keep going for the full 30 seconds without speeding up or slowing down.
- Read your breaths-per-minute and how it compares to the normal range.
- If it’s on the high side, try a couple of minutes of slow breathing and measure again.
Why people use it
- See your resting breathing rate in 30 seconds, no equipment
- Compare it to the normal range for adults and children
- Spot fast, shallow “stress breathing” you didn’t notice
- Track how slow breathing brings the number down
Want a plan built around your moment?
These free tools are a great start. For a breathing plan matched to your goal — sleep, calm, focus, or energy — with guided classes and a calm voice that paces every breath, try one guided breath first.
Try one guided breath first Free to start · no credit card before your first resetFrequently asked questions
What is a normal breathing rate?
At rest, a healthy adult typically takes 12–20 breaths per minute. Older children run a little higher, toddlers around 20–30, and newborns 30–60. Athletes and very relaxed people are often at the low end.
How do I measure my breathing rate accurately?
Breathe normally and count for a full 30 seconds, then double it — or count a whole minute. The key is not to control your breath while measuring, because the moment you pay attention to it you tend to slow it down.
What does a high breathing rate mean?
A resting rate consistently above about 20 can reflect stress, anxiety, pain, fever, exertion, or a respiratory issue. A single high reading after rushing around is normal. If it’s persistently high or you feel breathless at rest, see a clinician.
Can slow breathing lower my respiratory rate?
Yes. Deliberately slowing to around 5–6 breaths a minute with a longer exhale calms the nervous system and lowers your resting rate over time. That’s exactly what guided breathing practice trains.
Is this a medical device?
No. It’s a simple wellbeing self-check, not a diagnostic tool. If you’re worried about your breathing, a fast rate at rest, or shortness of breath, contact a healthcare professional.