This study aimed to determine whether primary school children can accurately monitor their heart rate (HR) through manual pulse measurement. Children aged 9 to 12 years manually assessed their HR through the carotid pulse three times in a physical education session; lying down, after submaximal effort and one minute later. Simultaneously, HR was measured by pulsometers. Of 417 children (10.58±0.93 years, 44.8% girls), 40% provided accurate values (<10% error). Concordance analysis showed wide limits of agreement (95% of measurements between 44.76% below and 78.64% above actual HR values). Sex, age and level of effort had no significant influence on the results. Primary school children are not able to accurately measure their HR through the carotid pulse><10% error). Concordance analysis showed wide limits of agreement (95% of measurements between 44.76% below and 78.64% above actual HR values). Sex, age and level of effort had no significant influence on the results. Primary school children are not able to accurately measure their HR through the carotid pulse