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CPR Compression Rate and Depth Calculator (AHA 2020 BLS Guidelines)

Correct CPR compression rates, depths, and compression-to-ventilation ratios for adults, children, and infants per 2020 AHA guidelines. Instant BLS reference.

🗓️ Updated June 2026 Reviewed by Martín Rodríguez

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Reviewed by: Martín Rodríguez (editorial policy ) · Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026

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The 2020 American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines, endorsed by the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR), define evidence-based parameters for CPR chest compressions. Select the victim's age group to instantly see the correct rate, depth, and compression-to-ventilation ratio.

When to use this calculator

BLS and CPR certification training and renewal
Healthcare students and professionals refreshing protocol
First responders and lay rescuers quick reference
Verifying correct compression parameters by age group
Teaching CPR classes and first aid courses
AED-equipped workplace preparedness

CPR Parameters by Age Group — AHA 2020 / ILCOR Guidelines

Parameter	Adult	Child (1 yr – puberty)	Infant (< 1 yr)
Compression rate	100–120/min	100–120/min	100–120/min
Compression depth	5–6 cm (2–2.4 in)	~5 cm / 1/3 AP diameter	~4 cm (1.5 in) / 1/3 AP diameter
Ratio — 1 rescuer	30:2	30:2	30:2
Ratio — 2 rescuers	30:2	15:2	15:2
Hand placement	Center of sternum	Center of sternum	Just below nipple line
Technique	2 hands (heel-palm)	1 or 2 hands	2 fingers or 2 thumbs
Pulse check site	Carotid	Carotid	Brachial
AED pads	Adult pads	Pediatric pads if < 8 yrs	Pediatric pads

Fuente: American Heart Association — CPR & ECC Guidelines 2020 (cpr.heart.org); ILCOR 2020

How it works

Why Exact Rate and Depth Matter

Every minute without CPR reduces survival by 7–10%. Bystander CPR started before EMS arrives doubles or triples survival odds. Maintaining 100–120 compressions/min at the correct depth ensures adequate blood flow to the brain and vital organs.

Fast is harmful too: exceeding 120/min shortens the diastolic refill time, reducing the blood volume pumped per cycle. Too shallow (under the minimum depth) generates insufficient intrathoracic pressure. The AHA 2020 guidelines set both a floor and a ceiling for a reason.

CPR Parameters by Age — AHA 2020 / ILCOR Reference Table

Parameter	Adult	Child (1 yr–puberty)	Infant (<1 yr)
Rate	100–120/min	100–120/min	100–120/min
Depth	5–6 cm (2–2.4 in)	~5 cm / 1/3 AP	~4 cm (1.5 in) / 1/3 AP
Ratio — 1 rescuer	30:2	30:2	30:2
Ratio — 2 rescuers	30:2	15:2	15:2
Hand placement	Center of sternum	Center of sternum	Just below nipple line
Technique	2 hands (heel-palm)	1 or 2 hands	2 fingers or 2 thumbs
Pulse check	Carotid	Carotid	Brachial
AED pads	Adult	Pediatric pads if < 8 yrs	Pediatric pads

Rhythm Memory Aid

Use Stayin' Alive by the Bee Gees (~103 bpm) to pace your compressions — this is the AHA's officially endorsed mnemonic. Other songs in the right range: Another One Bites the Dust (Queen, 110 bpm), Sorry (Justin Bieber, 100 bpm), MMMBop (Hanson, 104 bpm). Rotate rescuers every 2 minutes (about every 5 cycles) to prevent fatigue-related quality drop.

Scenario Quick Reference

Scenario	Action
Untrained bystander, adult	Hands-only CPR + call 911
Trained rescuer, adult	30:2 with rescue breaths
Child, single rescuer	30:2 with breaths
Child, 2 trained rescuers	15:2
Infant, single rescuer	30:2, 2-finger technique
Infant, 2 trained rescuers	15:2, 2-thumb encircling
AED available	Turn on and follow voice prompts

When to Stop CPR

Continue CPR until: (1) EMS personnel take over, (2) the victim shows clear signs of life (spontaneous breathing, movement), (3) an AED advises no shock and victim recovers, or (4) you are physically unable to continue safely.

Disclaimer

This calculator is an informational reference based on publicly available AHA, ERC, and ILCOR guidelines. It does not replace certified hands-on CPR/BLS training. In an actual emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) and begin compressions immediately.

Example: unresponsive adult with no pulse

Select 'Adult (puberty and older)'

Rate: 100–120 compressions/min (match Stayin' Alive rhythm ~103 bpm)

Depth: 5–6 cm — heel of both hands on center of sternum

Ratio: 30:2 (30 compressions, then 2 rescue breaths)

Rate 100–120/min, depth 5–6 cm, ratio 30:2

Frequently asked questions

What is the correct CPR compression rate for adults?

100–120 compressions per minute. Use 'Stayin' Alive' by the Bee Gees (~103 bpm) as a rhythm guide — this is the mnemonic officially endorsed by the American Heart Association.

How deep should adult CPR compressions be?

5–6 cm (2–2.4 inches). Place the heel of one hand on the center of the breastbone, cover with the other hand, and compress straight down. Depth under 5 cm reduces blood flow; over 6 cm adds no benefit and increases rib fracture risk.

What is the correct compression depth for children?

About 5 cm or at least 1/3 of the child's anterior-posterior chest diameter, whichever is greater. Use one or two hands depending on the child's size.

How deep should compressions be for infants?

About 4 cm (1.5 inches) — 1/3 of the infant's chest depth. For a single rescuer, use two fingers just below the nipple line. For two trained rescuers, use two thumbs with hands encircling the chest (two-thumb-encircling technique).

What is the compression-to-ventilation ratio in CPR?

Adults: always 30:2, regardless of the number of rescuers. Children and infants with one rescuer: 30:2. With two trained rescuers on a child or infant: 15:2, which improves ventilation in pediatric victims.

Should I do hands-only CPR or include rescue breaths?

For adult victims, hands-only CPR (continuous compressions, no rescue breaths) is highly effective and recommended for untrained bystanders during the first 5–10 minutes. Trained rescuers should add rescue breaths per protocol. For children and infants, rescue breaths are more important because respiratory arrest is a common cause of cardiac arrest in pediatric patients.

How often should rescuers switch during CPR?

Every 2 minutes (approximately every 5 cycles of 30:2). Compressor fatigue causes depth and rate to drop significantly after 90–120 seconds, which directly reduces survival probability. Switch quickly — aim under 10 seconds.

When should an AED be used and how does it affect CPR?

Activate the AED as soon as one is available. Pause compressions only for the AED rhythm analysis (under 10 seconds). If a shock is advised, deliver it and immediately resume compressions. If no shock is advised, resume compressions immediately.

Are the 2020 AHA guidelines still current?

Yes. ILCOR issues consensus updates every 5 years; the 2025/2026 cycle may bring minor revisions. The core parameters — 100–120 compressions/min, the minimum depth thresholds, and the 30:2 and 15:2 ratios — have remained stable since the 2010 guidelines.

Sources & references

Methodology & trust

Editorial

Calculadora de salud revisada por el equipo editorial de Hacé Cuentas, contrastada con American Heart Association — CPR & ECC Guidelines 2020, según nuestra política editorial y metodología.

Updates

Última revisión: June 20, 2026. Los parámetros se verifican periódicamente con las fuentes citadas.

Privacy

Calculations run 100% in your browser. We do not store or transmit your data.

Limitations

Indicative results. For critical decisions, consult a professional.

📌 How to cite this calculator

Rodríguez, M. (2026). CPR Compression Rate and Depth Calculator (AHA 2020 BLS Guidelines). Hacé Cuentas. https://hacecuentas.com/cpr-bls-chest-compressions-rate

Contenido bajo licencia CC-BY 4.0 — reutilizable citando la fuente con enlace a Hacé Cuentas.

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