Max Heart Rate Calculator
Fox and Tanaka formulas — not a wearable export. Click any i for detail.
Age
Age (years)
i
Age
Chronological age used in the formulas. |
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How to use this calculator
- Enter age in years.
- Read Fox (220 − age) and Tanaka estimates.
- Check the 50–85% training zone sketch.
- Treat output as population averages, not your wearable max.
Results explained
220 − age is a rough classroom estimate with wide scatter. Beta blockers and fitness shift real max HR. A treadmill test beats any formula.
Quick reference: max HR
Age 40 → Fox estimate 180 bpm.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fox | 220 − age |
| Tanaka | 208 − 0.7×age |
| Zone 50% | half of Fox estimate |
| Zone 85% | upper aerobic sketch bound |
Not a stress test or prescription.
How the estimate is built
HRmax_Fox ≈ 220 − age; HRmax_Tanaka ≈ 208 − 0.7×age.
Example scenario
Age 40 → Fox 180 bpm; Tanaka about 180 bpm too.
FAQ
My watch shows a higher max. Which wins?
Measured peaks from hard efforts beat formulas, if the sensor is trustworthy.
Do beta blockers change this?
Yes. Meds cap HR; formulas overestimate safe training ceilings.
Is VO2 max the same?
No. VO2 max pages estimate aerobic capacity, not beats per minute.