How Fast Is Normal Breathing?

Air flows in and out of your lungs at about 1.5 metres per second during normal breathing — a deep breath can hit 3 m/s. Adults breathe 12-16 times per minute, almost entirely without conscious thought.

An adult takes about 22,000 breaths per day — and processes around 11,000 litres of air, transferring oxygen to red blood cells through 300 million tiny alveoli.

• Similar to walking pace
• 12-16 breaths per minute