Peak Flow Calculator

Compare your peak expiratory flow reading against the predicted normal for your age, sex, and height, with green, yellow, and red zone guidance.

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Use your personal best if known — it gives more accurate zone boundaries

Health — Respiratory

Peak Flow Calculator

Peak expiratory flow (PEF) measures the maximum speed at which air can be expelled from the lungs in a forced exhalation. It is used primarily in asthma monitoring to assess airway obstruction on a daily basis. This calculator compares your measured peak flow against the predicted normal for your age, sex, and height, and applies the standard traffic-light zone system from UK BTS/SIGN asthma guidelines.

Predicted normal values

Predicted PEF varies with height, age, and sex. Taller individuals have larger airways and higher predicted values; older adults have lower values due to normal age-related lung function decline. The equations used here are simplified linear approximations based on European Respiratory Society reference data.

If you have a known personal best — recorded during a period when your asthma was well-controlled — use that instead of the predicted value. Personal best gives more accurate zone thresholds.

Traffic-light zones

Green zone (80–100% of reference): Asthma is well controlled. Continue usual medication.

Yellow zone (50–79%): Caution. Airways are narrowing. Follow your asthma action plan and contact your GP or nurse if readings remain in this range.

Red zone (below 50%): Medical alert. Take your reliever inhaler immediately and seek urgent medical attention. Call 999 if breathing is severely compromised.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I measure my peak flow?

During periods of poor control or respiratory symptoms, measuring twice daily (morning and evening) helps track diurnal variation. In well-controlled asthma, your doctor may advise less frequent monitoring.

Why is my measured peak flow lower than predicted?

Common reasons include poor technique (not blowing hard enough), infection, allergen exposure, or airway inflammation. A persistently low reading warrants review with your GP or respiratory nurse.

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