The correct hand position for adult chest compressions is with the heel of one hand in the center of the chest on the lower half of the sternum (breastbone), with your other hand on top and fingers interlaced or lifted off the chest.

Exact Hand Position

  • Place the heel of your hand in the center of the chest, roughly between the nipples on the lower half of the breastbone, not over the ribs or the very bottom of the sternum.
  • Put your other hand on top of the first, interlocking or lacing the fingers, and keep your fingers lifted so only the heel of your lower hand touches the chest.

Arm and Body Alignment

  • Kneel beside the victim with their body on a firm, flat surface, and position your shoulders directly over your hands.
  • Keep your arms straight and elbows locked so you can use your upper body weight to push straight down, not just your arm muscles.

Compression Basics (For Context)

  • Push hard and fast at a rate of about 100–120 compressions per minute, allowing the chest to recoil fully between compressions.
  • Aim for a depth of at least about 2 inches (5 cm) in a typical adult, while staying on the lower half of the sternum to reduce the risk of injury.

If you are not formally trained, many guidelines advise at least doing hands-only CPR: hard, fast compressions in the center of the chest while someone calls emergency services.

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