Maximum Heart Rate Calculator
Your maximum heart rate (MHR) is the highest number of times your heart can realistically beat in one minute during strenuous physical activity. It's a crucial metric for understanding your training zones and ensuring you exercise safely and effectively. While there isn't one single perfect formula that applies to everyone, the most widely used and simplest method is the Tanaka formula. This calculator uses that formula to provide an estimate.
Your estimated maximum heart rate is: — bpm
Understanding Maximum Heart Rate
Your maximum heart rate is an essential indicator for cardiovascular fitness and exercise intensity. Knowing your estimated MHR allows you to define target heart rate zones for different types of workouts:
- Very Light Intensity (Zone 1): 50-60% of MHR. Good for warm-ups, cool-downs, and active recovery.
- Light Intensity (Zone 2): 60-70% of MHR. Promotes fat burning and improves endurance.
- Moderate Intensity (Zone 3): 70-80% of MHR. Improves cardiovascular fitness and aerobic capacity.
- Hard Intensity (Zone 4): 80-90% of MHR. Improves speed and power, builds anaerobic threshold.
- Maximum Intensity (Zone 5): 90-100% of MHR. Improves maximal oxygen uptake and performance at peak effort.
How to Use This Calculator: Simply enter your current age in years into the field provided and click the "Calculate Max Heart Rate" button. The result is an estimate based on the Tanaka formula, which is generally considered more accurate for a broader range of adults than older formulas like the Karvonen formula (which requires resting heart rate and is more complex). It's always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or a certified fitness trainer before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have underlying health conditions.