Home
Back
Maximum Heart Rate Formula:
| From: | To: |
The Age-Predicted Maximum Heart Rate (MHR) is the highest number of beats per minute your heart can reach during maximum physical exertion. The most common formula for estimating MHR is: 220 - Age.
The calculator uses the standard MHR equation:
Where:
Explanation: This formula provides a simple estimate of your maximum safe heart rate based on your age, which is useful for establishing target heart rate zones during exercise.
Details: Knowing your estimated maximum heart rate helps you establish appropriate exercise intensity zones for cardiovascular training, ensuring you're working at the right intensity for your fitness goals while maintaining safety.
Tips: Simply enter your age in years (must be between 1-120). The calculator will instantly compute your estimated maximum heart rate.
Q1: How accurate is the 220-age formula?
A: While widely used, this formula provides only an estimate. Individual maximum heart rates can vary by 10-20 beats per minute from the predicted value.
Q2: Are there alternative formulas for MHR?
A: Yes, other formulas exist such as 208 - (0.7 × age) or 211 - (0.64 × age), which may be more accurate for certain populations.
Q3: How is MHR used in exercise training?
A: MHR is used to calculate target heart rate zones for different training intensities (e.g., 50-70% for fat burning, 70-85% for cardiovascular improvement).
Q4: Should everyone use the same formula?
A: The 220-age formula works reasonably well for most adults, but athletes or individuals with specific health conditions may benefit from more personalized assessments.
Q5: Can medications affect maximum heart rate?
A: Yes, certain medications like beta-blockers can lower your maximum heart rate. Always consult with a healthcare provider before beginning an exercise program.