What is the normal adult respiration rate range?

• A. 8-12 per minute
• B. 12-20 per minute
• C. 20-30 per minute
• D. 14-22 per minute

Answer: (B)

Understanding normal breathing rate means knowing what a healthy resting rate looks like for adults. In a calm, rested adult, the usual range is about 12 to 20 breaths per minute. This range is used in routine assessments because it reflects normal gas exchange needs without added stress or illness.

Why this range fits best: it sits squarely in the standard reference for adult vital signs and accounts for typical variation between individuals while still flagging potential problems if the rate is consistently outside this window. Breathing rates below 12 suggest bradypnea, and rates above 20 suggest tachypnea; both can indicate underlying issues. The other options either miss the lower end or push the upper bound beyond what is commonly considered normal for a resting adult, so 12–20 per minute is the most accurate choice.