What is the normal breathing rate of an adult at rest?

• A. 2-20 breaths per minute
• B. 6-12 breaths per minute
• C. 12-20 breaths per minute
• D. 20-40 breaths per minute

Answer: (A)

Normal resting breathing rate for an adult is about 12 to 20 breaths per minute. This range represents the typical baseline when the body is at rest, with small variations due to fitness, age, fever, anxiety, pain, or lung/heart conditions. Rates much lower than this, such as 6–12, are at the low end and not the standard resting rate for most adults. Rates of 20–40 breaths per minute are too fast for resting breathing and can indicate distress or illness. So, the normal resting range to remember is 12–20 breaths per minute.