A pulse is the heart rate, or the number of times your heart beats in one minute. The pulse can be measured using the radial artery in the wrist or the carotid artery in the neck.

Heart rates vary from person to person. Knowing your heart rate can help you gauge your heart health.

General instructions for taking your pulse

To get an accurate pulse:

  • Take your pulse at the same time each day.
  • Sit down and rest several minutes before taking your pulse.
  • Count your pulse for a full 60 seconds unless told otherwise by your health care provider.

Taking your radial pulse

  1. With your palm up, look at the area between your wrist bone and the tendon on the thumb side of your wrist. Your radial pulse can be taken on either wrist.
  2. Use the tip of the index and third fingers of your other hand to feel the pulse in your radial artery between your wrist bone and the tendon on the thumb side of your wrist.
  3. Apply just enough pressure so you can feel each beat. Do not push too hard or you will obstruct the blood flow.
  4. Watch the second hand on your watch or a clock as you count how many times you feel your pulse.
  5. Record your pulse rate.
Taking your pulse using your radial artery
Taking your pulse using your radial artery

Use the tip of your index and third finger to feel the pulse in your radial artery between your wrist bone and the tendon on the thumb side of your wrist.

Taking your carotid pulse

  1. Find the area on one side of your neck near your windpipe. Your carotid pulse can be taken on either side of your neck. Avoid this if you have been diagnosed with plaques in your neck arteries (carotid).
  2. Put the tip of your index and long finger in the groove of your neck along your windpipe to feel the pulse in your carotid artery. Do not press on the carotid artery on both sides of your neck at the same time. This may cause you to feel lightheaded or dizzy, or possibly faint.
  3. Apply just enough pressure so you can feel each beat. Do not push too hard or you will obstruct the blood flow.
  4. Watch the second hand on your watch or a clock as you count how many times you feel your pulse.
  5. Record your pulse rate.
Taking your pulse using your carotid artery
Taking your pulse using your carotid artery

Put the tip of your index and long finger in the groove of your neck along your windpipe to feel the pulse in your carotid artery.