How to measure your respiratory rate

Date Updated: 07/23/2026

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Your respiratory rate, also called breathing rate, is the number of breaths you take a minute.

To measure your breathing rate, count the number of breaths you take in a minute while you're resting. Make sure you're not counting right after exercise or physical activity.

For the best results:

Sit down and try to relax.
Take your respiratory rate while sitting up in a chair or in bed.
Measure your breathing rate by counting the number of times your chest or stomach rises over the course of one minute.
Record this number.

It may be helpful to have someone help you with counting the breaths.