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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/safety-adult-cpr-depth

For an average adult, how deep should CPR chest compressions be?

At least 2 inches, or 5 centimeters.

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  1. About one-quarter inch
  2. About one inch
  3. At least two inches ✔

Why: The American Heart Association recommends at least 2 inches for an average adult. Good depth helps compress the heart between the breastbone and spine.

Huh, didn't know that: The AHA also cautions against routinely exceeding 2.4 inches in an average adult.

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References

Answer: At least two inches. The American Heart Association recommends at least 2 inches for an average adult. Good depth helps compress the heart between the breastbone and spine.

  1. Adult Basic Life Support Guidelines, American Heart Association cpr.heart.org/en/resuscitation-science/cpr-and-ecc-guidelines/adult-basic-life-support
    perform chest compressions to a depth of at least 2 inches, or 5 cm, for an average adult
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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