VO2 Max Calculator

Work out vo2 max instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About VO2 Max Calculator

The Uth-Sorensen-Overgaard-Pedersen equation estimates aerobic capacity from the ratio of maximum to resting heart rate alone: VO2max = 15.3 x MHR/RHR. With 185 and 55 bpm that gives 51.5 ml/kg/min, a peak capacity of about 14.7 MET. It requires no exercise test, but a treadmill or field test is considerably more accurate.

Formulas

Uth-Sorensen equation

VO2max = 15.3 x MHR / RHR

MET capacity

MET = VO2max / 3.5

Worked example

With the default values below, VO2 Max Calculator returns Estimated VO2 Max of 51.5. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Maximum heart rateaccepts 60–230 bpm: 185 bpm
Resting heart rateaccepts 25–140 bpm: 55 bpm

Results

Estimated VO2 Max: 51.5 ml/(kg min)
Max To Resting Heart Rate Ratio: 3.364
Peak Aerobic Capacity: 14.70 MET
Fitness Category: Good

Step by step

1Values used
2Uth-Sorensen equation
3MET capacity
4Estimated VO2 Max= 51.5 ml/(kg min)
5Max To Resting Heart Rate Ratio= 3.364
6Peak Aerobic Capacity= 14.70 MET
7Fitness Category= Good

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 3 decimal places, 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

How accurate is this?

The standard error is around 10-15%, so treat it as a category rather than a number. It was validated on trained runners and is least reliable for untrained people.

What is a good VO2 max?

Roughly 35-40 for an average 35 year old, 50-55 for a keen amateur athlete, and 70-85 for elite endurance competitors.