You can also use a stopwatch or the timer on your phone. [3] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source

Temple Groin Behind the knee Top of the foot

Be careful not to press to hard over the carotid artery, as this can cause you to become lightheaded. [6] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Find your radial artery by drawing a line with your finger from below your thumb to your wrist. Then feel for the spot between the wrist bone and tendon for a slight pumping motion. Place the flat part of your finger on your wrist or neck to get the most accurate reading. Avoid using your fingertips or your thumb.

Let yourself rest for five minutes before taking your pulse to get the most accurate resting heart rate reading. You can also take your pulse while you’re exercising to measure how hard you are exercising.

For example, if you counted 41 for 30 seconds, double it to get 82 beats per minute. If you counted for 10 seconds, multiply the beats counted by 6, and if you counted for 15 seconds, multiply by 4.

Having a cuff or strap that fits you Having a display that is easy to read Fitting your needs and budget Note that using an app for pulse measurements is not always accurate.

Save any data or measurements from your reading to track your pulse rate over time.