For hands-only CPR on an adult, you should perform chest compressions at a rate of about 100 to 120 compressions per minute.

Quick Scoop: The Key Number

When you hear “hands-only CPR,” think: fast and steady chest compressions, 100–120 a minute. That’s roughly 2 compressions every second, without stopping, until help arrives or an AED tells you to stop.

Why 100–120 Per Minute?

Medical guidelines and large studies show that survival is best when compressions are neither too slow nor excessively fast, with the “sweet spot” between 100 and 120 per minute. Below 100, blood flow often isn’t enough; above 120, compressions tend to get too shallow and less effective.

How To Keep The Rhythm

You don’t need a stopwatch—use a mental rhythm.

  • Aim for about 2 pushes per second for 100–120 per minute.
  • Keep your arms straight, push at least 2 inches (5–6 cm) deep in the center of the chest, and let the chest fully recoil each time.
  • Continue without giving breaths if you’re doing true hands-only CPR, especially if you’re an untrained or unsure bystander.

A simple example: imagine you’re pressing down to a quick, steady beat—no long pauses, just a continuous, firm rhythm around 100–120 per minute.

Mini FAQ

  1. Is 100 compressions per minute enough?
    Yes, 100 per minute is within the recommended range and is acceptable; the target band is 100–120 per minute.
  1. What if I’m not exact?
    If you’re roughly around that speed and pushing hard and deep, you’re helping; doing CPR imperfectly is far better than doing nothing.
  1. Does this apply to children and infants?
    The rate is similar (about 100–120 per minute), but the technique and depth differ, so proper training is important.

Bottom line: When you do hands-only CPR, aim for about 100–120 chest compressions each minute—fast, hard, and in the center of the chest.

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