Home / Health / First Aid & Emergencies / CPR Compression Rate Metronome
Health & Emergency Preparedness Tool

CPR Compression Rate Metronome

A pulsing beat set to the AHA-recommended 100–120 compressions per minute, use it to practice CPR timing or to help maintain the correct rate during an emergency.

CPR Metronome

Press Start and push down on each beat. Keep compressions 2–2.4 inches deep.

Metronome settings

BPM
AHA recommends 100–120 BPM. 110 is the center of the target range.
Adjusts compression depth guidance shown below.
Ready

●

Press Start to begin the metronome.

110 BPM Rate
2–2.4 in Compression depth
30:2 Compression:breath ratio

How to use this metronome

Set the BPM to 110 (the AHA's midpoint recommendation), select the victim type, then press Start. Push down firmly on each beat. Allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions, don't lean on the chest. If a second person is available, have them manage this screen while you perform compressions.

Tips for success

  • Rate: 100–120 compressions per minute, about 2 per second.
  • Depth (adults): At least 2 inches (5 cm), no more than 2.4 inches.
  • Depth (children): About 2 inches (5 cm) or one-third the chest depth.
  • Depth (infants): About 1.5 inches (4 cm) using two fingers.
  • Ratio: 30 compressions : 2 rescue breaths for adults; same for children unless two trained rescuers (then 15:2).
This tool is a training and reference aid, it is NOT a substitute for a certified CPR course. Take a course from the American Heart Association or Red Cross. Hands-only CPR (no rescue breaths) is effective for adult cardiac arrest if you are untrained.

Good use cases

Perfect for CPR refresher practice at home, first aid training sessions, or as a real-time pacing aid during an emergency when a second rescuer can manage the metronome.

Adult CPR, step by step

  • 1. Check scene safety, make sure it is safe to approach.
  • 2. Check responsiveness, tap shoulders and shout. If no response, call 911 (or have someone call) and get an AED if available.
  • 3. Begin compressions, heel of hand on center of chest, 2+ inches deep at 100–120 BPM.
  • 4. Give rescue breaths (if trained), tilt head, lift chin, give 2 breaths after every 30 compressions. Each breath should take about 1 second and make the chest rise.
  • 5. Continue until, AED arrives, professional help takes over, or victim regains consciousness.

FAQ

What is the correct CPR compression rate?

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends a compression rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute for adults, children, and infants. This is roughly 2 compressions per second. Rates below 100 or above 120 are associated with worse outcomes.

Do I need to give rescue breaths?

For untrained bystanders or those unwilling to give rescue breaths, hands-only CPR (continuous compressions at 100–120 BPM with no breaths) is effective for adult cardiac arrest. Rescue breaths are recommended for children, infants, and drowning victims.

How deep should compressions be?

For adults, compress at least 2 inches (5 cm) but no more than 2.4 inches (6 cm). For children, compress about 2 inches (5 cm) or one-third the chest depth. For infants, compress about 1.5 inches (4 cm) using two fingers.

How long can I do CPR?

Continue CPR until: professional help arrives and takes over, an AED advises a shock and then resumes compressions, the person shows clear signs of life, or you are physically unable to continue. If possible, switch with another rescuer every 2 minutes to avoid fatigue.

What's the "Stayin' Alive" trick?

The Bee Gees song "Stayin' Alive" has a beat of approximately 103 BPM, within the 100–120 BPM target range. Mental-humming the song while doing compressions is a well-known memory aid for maintaining correct timing during CPR.