How many EKG squares equal one second?

One second on an EKG strip is represented by a specific number of small boxes or squares on the graph. An EKG rhythm strip typically consists of a series of smaller squares, each of which represents 0.04 seconds. Consequently, when you count the number of small squares that make up one second, you would multiply the total number of small squares (25) by the duration of each square (0.04 seconds).

Therefore, to get the duration of one second, you take 25 small squares total and divide that by 5, since 5 small squares represent one large square or one complete segment of time (0.20 seconds). As a result, it takes 5 small squares to equal one second on the EKG strip.

Understanding this concept is crucial for accurately measuring heart rhythms, intervals, and segment durations in various cardiac assessments. The relationship between the squares and time plays a significant role in interpreting EKG findings, making it essential knowledge for paramedics and other health professionals working with cardiac monitoring.