how deep should you push on the chest of an adult when doing hands-only cpr?

For an adult, hands‑only CPR chest compressions should push the chest down about 2 inches (5 cm), and not more than about 2.4–2.5 inches (around 6 cm).

Key depth and technique

• Aim for at least 2 inches (5 cm) but no more than about 2.4–2.5 inches (6 cm) on an average adult chest.

• Push in the center of the chest on the breastbone, between the nipples.

• Use your upper body weight, keeping your arms straight, so compressions are strong and straight down.

Rate and rhythm

• Give compressions at 100–120 per minute , which is about the beat of the song “Stayin’ Alive.”

• Let the chest fully rise back up after each push before pressing down again (full recoil).

Simple memory tip

• Think: “Hard, fast, 2 inches” for an adult.
• Keep going until:
  • The person shows clear signs of life, or
  • Emergency help arrives and takes over.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.