Breathing Pattern Cheatsheet
Every live technique in one table — pattern, cycle seconds, breaths per minute, default session.
How it works
A breathing cycle is one pass through the phases you keep above zero. Cycle length in seconds is the sum of those phases. Breaths per minute is 60 divided by the cycle length. This table is generated from the live exercise registry — the same numbers the timers use. For vocabulary, read what is a breathing cycle. To convert units, use the breaths per minute calculator.
All techniques
| Technique | Pattern | Cycle | Breaths/min | Default session |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Box Breathing | 4 — 4 — 4 — 4 | 16 sec | ~3.75 | 5 min (300 sec) |
| 4-7-8 Breathing | 4 — 7 — 8 | 19 sec | ~3.16 | 5 min (300 sec) |
| Coherent Breathing | 5 — 5 | 10 sec | ~6.00 | 5 min (300 sec) |
| Resonance Breathing | 5.5 — 5.5 | 11 sec | ~5.45 | 5 min (300 sec) |
| Triangle Breathing | 4 — 4 — 4 | 12 sec | ~5.00 | 5 min (300 sec) |
| Extended Exhale Breathing | 4 — 6 | 10 sec | ~6.00 | 5 min (300 sec) |
| Equal Breathing | 4 — 4 | 8 sec | ~7.50 | 5 min (300 sec) |
| Physiological Sigh | 2 + 1 + 6 | 9 sec | ~6.67 | 3 min (180 sec) |
| Relaxation Breathing | 4 — 2 — 6 | 12 sec | ~5.00 | 5 min (300 sec) |
| 2-Minute Focus Breathing | 4 — 4 — 4 — 4 | 16 sec | ~3.75 | 2 min (120 sec) |
| Breathing Timer for Sleep | 4 — 7 — 8 | 19 sec | ~3.16 | 10 min (600 sec) |
| Pre-Run Breathing | 3 — 3 | 6 sec | ~10.00 | 2 min (120 sec) |
| Post-Run Breathing | 3 — 6 | 9 sec | ~6.67 | 5 min (300 sec) |
| Recovery Breathing | 6 — 6 | 12 sec | ~5.00 | 10 min (600 sec) |
How to use this table
- Find a row that matches the pattern you want.
- Open that technique’s timer page from the link in the table.
- Press Start on the timer. Change the session length first if you need to.
- Compare two named techniques on a comparison page if you are deciding between patterns.
When people use it
People use this when they want every pattern in one place — for search, for teaching, or before picking a timer. It is reference arithmetic, not a medical chart. Ready to breathe? Start box breathing or browse learn.
Pattern data
- Box 4-4-4-4: 16 sec/cycle, 3.75 breaths/min.
- Coherent 5-5: 10 sec/cycle, 6.00 breaths/min.
- Physiological sigh 2+1+6: 9 sec/cycle, ~6.67 breaths/min.
- Cycle length = sum of active phases. Breaths/min = 60 ÷ cycle.
FAQ
How is breaths per minute calculated?
Divide 60 by the cycle length in seconds. A 10-second cycle is 6 breaths per minute.
Does this table start a timer?
Each row links to a technique page where the interactive timer lives above the fold.
Why are some patterns similar?
Focus and box share 4-4-4-4 counts but different visuals and defaults. Sleep and 4-7-8 share counts but different presentation. Each row links to its own page.
Is this medical advice?
No. breathinglab.app provides informational breathing tools and does not provide medical advice.