Maximum Heart Rate Calculator

Work out maximum heart rate instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Maximum Heart Rate Calculator

Maximum heart rate falls with age, but the familiar 220 minus age formula has a standard error of about 10-12 bpm and overestimates in the young while underestimating in the old. Tanaka's 208 - 0.7 x age fits population data better, and Gulati's equation was derived specifically from women. A measured maximum from a supervised test always beats any formula.

Formulas

Tanaka equation

MHR = 208 - 0.7 x age

Fox equation

MHR = 220 - age

Worked example

With the default values below, Maximum Heart Rate Calculator returns Estimated Maximum Heart Rate of 184. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Ageaccepts 5–100 years: 35 years
Formulaone of Fox: 220 - age, Tanaka: 208 - 0.7 x age, Gulati (women): 206 - 0.88 x age, Nes: 211 - 0.64 x age: Tanaka: 208 - 0.7 x age

Results

Estimated Maximum Heart Rate: 184 bpm
Classic 220 Minus Age Estimate: 185 bpm
Aerobic Base Zone (60-70%): 110-128 bpm
Typical Prediction Error: 10 bpm

Step by step

1Values used
2Tanaka equation
3Fox equation
4Estimated Maximum Heart Rate= 184 bpm
5Classic 220 Minus Age Estimate= 185 bpm
6Aerobic Base Zone (60-70%)= 110-128 bpm
7Typical Prediction Error= 10 bpm

Assumptions and limits

The result is derived only from the 2 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax, fees or charges or compounding frequency into account.
Figures are rounded for display to whole numbers, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.
This is an estimate from population-average equations, not a medical or diagnostic assessment. Individual results vary with genetics, training history and technique. Seek advice from a qualified coach or clinician before making significant changes to training.
This is an estimate for general information and not professional medical advice. See the full disclaimer for the limits that apply to this kind of calculator.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

This is an estimate from population-average equations, not a medical or diagnostic assessment. Individual results vary with genetics, training history and technique. Seek advice from a qualified coach or clinician before making significant changes to training.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which formula should I use?

Tanaka for general use, Gulati if you are a woman. But if you have ever seen a higher figure on a monitor during hard effort, trust that instead.

Does fitness raise maximum heart rate?

No. Training improves stroke volume and efficiency, not maximum rate, which is largely genetic and declines with age regardless.