Home
Back
Maximum Heart Rate Formula:
| From: | To: |
Maximum Heart Rate (MHR) is the highest number of beats per minute your heart can achieve during maximum physical exertion. It's an important metric for designing effective exercise programs and establishing appropriate training zones.
The calculator uses the standard MHR formula:
Where:
Explanation: This equation provides a general estimate of maximum heart rate based on age. While widely used, individual variations exist due to fitness level, genetics, and other factors.
Details: Knowing your maximum heart rate helps establish appropriate exercise intensity zones for cardiovascular training, weight management, and improving athletic performance while ensuring safety during workouts.
Tips: Enter your age in years. The value must be valid (between 1-120 years). The calculator will provide an estimate of your maximum heart rate.
Q1: How accurate is the 220-age formula?
A: It provides a general estimate but may vary by ±10-12 beats per minute for individuals. More personalized formulas exist but require clinical testing.
Q2: What are the different heart rate zones?
A: Typically divided into: Warm-up (50-60% MHR), Fat-burning (60-70% MHR), Aerobic (70-80% MHR), Anaerobic (80-90% MHR), and Maximum (90-100% MHR).
Q3: Should everyone use the same formula?
A: No, some populations (highly trained athletes, older adults) may benefit from alternative formulas. The Tanaka formula (208 - 0.7 × age) is sometimes recommended for older adults.
Q4: How often should MHR be recalculated?
A: Since it's based on age, you should recalculate annually as you get older. Your maximum heart rate decreases by approximately 1 beat per minute each year.
Q5: Are there more accurate ways to measure MHR?
A: Yes, clinical stress tests under medical supervision provide the most accurate measurement. Field tests (such as graded exercise tests) can also provide good estimates.