VO₂ Max Calculator
Estimate your VO₂ max from your age, sex, resting heart rate, and exercise heart rate to get an indication of aerobic fitness.
Calculate your VO₂ max
Enter your age, sex, resting heart rate, and exercise heart rate to estimate your VO₂ max.
Your result
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| Sex | — |
| Age | — |
| Resting heart rate | — |
| Exercise heart rate | — |
| Estimated maximum heart rate | — |
| Estimated VO₂ max | — |
Step-by-step calculation
What does the result mean?
VO₂ max is an estimate of the maximum amount of oxygen your body can use during intense exercise. It is commonly used as an indicator of aerobic or cardiorespiratory fitness.
A higher VO₂ max generally indicates a greater aerobic capacity, although the number should be interpreted alongside factors such as age, training status, health, and the method used to estimate it.
This calculator provides an estimate rather than a laboratory measurement.
How is VO₂ max calculated?
This calculator uses a heart-rate-ratio method based on age-predicted maximum heart rate and resting heart rate.
First, maximum heart rate is estimated from age. The relationship between exercise heart rate and resting heart rate is then used to estimate aerobic capacity.
VO₂ max example
Suppose a 30-year-old male has a resting heart rate of 60 bpm and an exercise heart rate of 150 bpm.
Maximum heart rate = 208 − (0.7 × 30)
Maximum heart rate = 187 bpm
Heart rate ratio = 150 ÷ 60
Heart rate ratio = 2.50
The calculator then applies the selected VO₂ max estimation equation to produce the final estimate.
Formula used
VO₂ max = 15.3 × (maximum heart rate ÷ resting heart rate)
This is an indirect estimation method. Laboratory VO₂ max testing using respiratory gas analysis is more direct and can provide a more accurate measurement.
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Important: This calculator provides an estimated VO₂ max for general informational and fitness purposes only. It is not a substitute for laboratory exercise testing or medical evaluation. Heart rate can be affected by fitness level, medications, illness, stress, temperature, hydration, and other factors. If you experience chest pain, unusual shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, or other concerning symptoms during exercise, stop exercising and seek appropriate medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional if you have concerns about your exercise capacity or cardiovascular health.