What is the compression rate for adult CPR?

• A. 60-70 per minute
• B. 80-90 per minute
• C. 100-120 per minute
• D. 140-160 per minute

Answer: (C)

During adult CPR, the pace of chest compressions is as important as how deep they are. The recommended rate is 100 to 120 compressions per minute. This speed translates to about one compression every 0.5 to 0.6 seconds, which helps maintain perfusion of the heart and brain while allowing full chest recoil between pushes. If you go too slowly, perfusion pressure drops and outcomes worsen; if you go too fast, compressions may become shallow and recoil can be inadequate, also reducing effective blood flow. So 100–120 per minute hits the balance between keeping blood moving and allowing the chest to fill and recoil properly. In practice, rescuers often use a metronome or a familiar rhythm to stay on tempo.