# Respiratory Rate **Respiration rate**, or breathing rate, is the **number of breaths per minute** while at rest. Breathing rates may increase with fever, illness and other medical conditions. This metric can be used in addition to the [Resonant Breathing Score](https://docs.intelliprove.com/insights-v01/resonant-breathing-score) to guide users into a resonant breathing state or during another stress-relieving breathing exercise. ## How is it calculated? IntelliProve software accurately calculates the respiration rate by **detecting** the subtle movements of the chest. This is achieved through the use of an in-house software algorithm, which enables the processing engine to identify the correct **motion associated with breathing**. A respiration signal is created and its frequency is measured. This frequency corresponds with the number of breaths a person takes in one minute (breaths per minute or bpm). ## How can it be used? The **respiratory rate at rest** is expected to be around 12 to 20 breaths per minute. Equal to the resting heart rate, an **increased breathing frequency** can be used as an indicator for **stress** or **anxiety**. Monitoring the respiratory rate can be a **valuable biomarker in therapeutic and wellbeing practices/exercises**. For instance, during meditation exercises, it is desirable to achieve a low breathing frequency between 6 to 12 breaths per minute (relaxation). By consistently practicing and training to maintain a lower resting breathing frequency, individuals can enhance their resilience to stress. Moreover, a lower resting respiratory rate not only aids in stress management but also promotes better sleep quality. Below, an illustrative **example** on how respiratory rate can be used as a valuable metric for **feedback** during breathing exercises, as a **starting point** for your offered content or as **buidling blocks** for graphs. ![](https://docs.intelliprove.com/_astro/IzVWmD_9abEU7o7EAA7jZ_example-rr-2.DrS8-TrD_d5gDu.webp) ## Insights Respiratory Rate is returned as an integer on a scale of 6 – 48 as a part of the output response JSON, with the key `respiratory_rate`.

Output (breaths per minute)	Definition	Example Color Indicator	Example User Text
4 - 12	Slower breathing rate than average	Green	Your breathing rate at rest is low. In general, a respiratory rate for an adult is typically between 12 and 20 breaths per minute.
13 - 20	Average breathing rate	Green	Your breathing rate at rest is average. In general, a respiratory rate for an adult is typically between 12 and 20 breaths per minute.
20	Faster breathing rate than average	Yellow	Your breathing rate at rest is high. In general, a respiratory rate for an adult is typically between 12 and 20 breaths per minute.