The cuff is first inflated while palpating the radial pulse. The point of disappearance of pulse represents the systolic pressure. The cuff is then further inflated to 30 mm Hg above the expected systolic pressure. Whilst slowly deflating the cuff, the observer feels for the radial pulse. The pressure at which the pulse is just felt is the systolic pressure.

This technique underestimates systolic pressure. The diastolic and mean pressures cannot be detected by this technique.