What is the normal respiratory rate for an adult at rest?

• A. 8-12
• B. 10-20
• C. 12-22
• D. 14-24

Answer: (B)

At rest, a normal adult typically breathes about 12 to 20 times per minute. This range is the standard reference for normal resting respiration. The option that matches this general idea most closely is the one that spans about 10 to 20 breaths per minute, since it covers the commonly taught lower bound near 12 and the upper bound near 20. The other ranges push too far toward being too slow at rest or too fast, which would suggest bradypnea or tachypnea, respectively. So the best choice aligns with the typical resting rate around 12–20 breaths per minute.