Normal respiratory rate is:

• A. 8-12 breaths per minute
• B. 14-18 breaths per minute
• C. 12-20 breaths per minute
• D. 20-30 breaths per minute

Answer: (C)

A healthy adult at rest breathes about 12 to 20 times per minute. This range is used because it reflects normal, effortless ventilation without distress. To measure it, observe for a full minute (or count for 30 seconds and multiply by two) while the person is at rest and not talking.

Breathing within 12–20 indicates normal breathing pattern. Rates below that suggest bradypnea, which can occur with sleep, certain drugs, or CNS depression. Rates above that indicate tachypnea, which can be due to fever, infection, hypoxia, pain, anxiety, or metabolic issues. Age matters, too—the typical rates are higher in infants and children and may be slightly lower in older adults.