CPR Compression Calculator
Compressions and 30:2 cycles from minutes.
What it does
Good CPR is arithmetic under pressure: right rate, right depth, full recoil, minimal pauses. Counting total compressions for a session keeps crews rotating before fatigue softens the push.
The tool above takes minutes with per minute rate. It returns total compressions with 30:2 cycles and the adult depth cue beside them.
The defaults (5 min at 110) give 550 compressions across 18.3 cycles. Two minutes at 100 give 200 compressions with 6.7 cycles.
Rate, depth, and 30:2 cycles follow Red Cross CPR steps with MedlinePlus matching the compressions plus breaths method. Both describe adult care; children and infants use different technique.
How to use
- Enter minutes of compressions.
- Enter rate, aiming 100 to 120.
- Read total compressions first.
- Read 30:2 cycles beside it.
- Push 2 in or more, full recoil.
- Swap rescuers before tiring.
Formula
- rate
- Compressions per minute, target 100-120.
- 30:2
- 30 compressions then 2 breaths.
- 2 in
- Minimum adult depth with full recoil.
Adult numbers only; child and infant depth and technique differ and need their own training. Pauses over 10 seconds bleed survival, so cycles assume continuous effort with breaths inside.
Worked example
Example: 5 minutes at 110
Defaults: 5 min, rate 110 per minute.
- Compressions: 5 x 110 = 550.
- Cycles: 550 / 30 = 18.3.
- Depth cue stays 2 in or more.
- Tool shows 550 compressions, 18.3 cycles.
- Two min at 100 gives 200 with 6.7 cycles.
- Call emergency services first, always.
Reference table
| Session | Compressions | Cycles |
|---|---|---|
| 2 min at 100 | 200 | 6.7 |
| 5 min at 110 | 550 | 18.3 |
| 10 min at 120 | 1200 | 40 |
Limits
- Adult technique only.
- Training required, not optional.
- AED and airway separate skills.
- Fatigue softens real rates.
Common mistakes
- Too slow under 100 per minute.
- Shallow pushes without recoil.
- Long pauses over 10 seconds.
- Skipping rescuer swaps.
- Delaying the emergency call.
Try it yourself
Quick checks. Answers sit tucked under each question.
2 min at 100?
200 compressions with 6.7 cycles.
10 min at 120?
1200 compressions with 40 cycles.
Depth cue?
2 in or more with full recoil.
Questions
How fast is CPR?
100 to 120 compressions per minute for adults.
How deep?
At least 2 inches with full chest recoil.
What is 30:2?
30 compressions then 2 breaths, repeating.
Hands-Only CPR?
Continuous compressions without breaths for untrained rescuers.
When to swap?
About every 2 minutes or with fatigue.
AED first?
Call, start CPR, apply AED the moment it arrives.