What is calculated
Two familiar age-predicted maximum-heart-rate equations.
Max Heart Rate Calculator
Selected age-predicted maximum heart rate
Enter your values, then calculate to see a verified result.
Reference range
How this result is calculated
A clear calculation path based on your inputs.
Inputs usedReview the information used for this result.
Full calculation and sourcesOpen Full calculation and sources to review normalized inputs, the formula sequence, assumptions, and evidence boundaries.
Versioned calculationFormula v1.0.0
Method
Show Tanaka and Fox side by side and select one primary result.
Important boundary
Neither equation measures an individual maximum or confirms exercise safety.
Enter adult ageUse completed years.
40 yearsChoose a primary equationKeep both estimates visible.
TanakaRespect the spreadEquation agreement is not measurement.
180 vs 180 bpmInterpretation
bpm is the selected age-predicted estimate.
Formula spread shows model choice, not biological uncertainty in full.
Medication and cardiovascular conditions may change appropriate training targets.
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Related calculators and resources
Method and test recordFormula v1.0.0
- Recorded scope
- health-activity-performance-completion
- Publisher
- CalculatorGeek
- Recorded review date
- 2026-10-05
- Next source review
- 2027-04-05
- Definition fixtures
- 2 configured scenarios
- Published examples
- 2 shown below
Recorded method
Recompute both equations at adult boundaries and verify whole-bpm display and method switching.
These records describe the published model and reference tests. A test-case count is not a certification of every possible input or an independent specialist review. Editorial policy
Known limitations
- Individual maximum heart rate can differ materially from age equations.
- Medication, heart conditions, illness, heat, altitude, and fatigue may affect observed heart rate.
- The formulas do not define lactate or ventilatory thresholds.
- The tool does not establish exercise safety.
Method sources
Latest model update
2026-10-05 - Initial evidence-led shared-system implementation with fixtures, boundaries, original support content, and intentional cluster links.
Reference inputs and expected results
Up to 12 examples from the configured definition fixtures are shown. Expected values use the stated output units; invalid inputs are intended to be rejected.
| Case | Inputs | Expected result |
|---|---|---|
| age forty | Age: 40 years; Primary equation: tanaka | Tanaka estimate: 180 bpm; Fox estimate: 180 bpm; Selected age-predicted maximum HR: 180 bpm; Formula spread: 0 bpm |
| age seventy Fox selected | Age: 70 years; Primary equation: fox | Tanaka estimate: 159 bpm; Fox estimate: 150 bpm; Selected age-predicted maximum HR: 150 bpm; Formula spread: 9 bpm |
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On this page
What the Max Heart Rate Calculator answers
Compare the Tanaka and Fox age-predicted maximum-heart-rate equations without presenting either as a measured personal maximum.
The formula spread remains visible so a single rounded number does not hide model dependence.
Use the Sports calculators hub to choose the neighboring workflow rather than forcing one result to answer a different question.
How to use the Max Heart Rate Calculator
- Enter adult age.
- Choose the equation required by your training convention.
- Compare both estimates and their spread.
- Use an appropriately obtained measured maximum when available and relevant.
Continue with the Heart Rate Zone Calculator. Build zones from measured or selected maximum HR.
Formula, variables and calculation order
Tanaka = 208 - 0.7 x age; Fox = 220 - age.
Inputs are normalized to the displayed base units, the calculation keeps full precision, and rounding is applied only to visible outputs.
Cross-check the next part of the workflow with the Heart Rate Recovery Calculator. Calculate the observed post-exercise drop.
Worked example and boundary check
Worked example
At age 40, both equations estimate 180 bpm. At other ages they can diverge.
Boundary check
A close match between equations still does not prove the individual value.
How to interpret the result
Use the estimate only as a population-average planning input; it is not a diagnostic measurement or exercise clearance.
- Individual maximum heart rate can differ materially from age equations.
- Medication, heart conditions, illness, heat, altitude, and fatigue may affect observed heart rate.
- The formulas do not define lactate or ventilatory thresholds.
- The tool does not establish exercise safety.
For a separate result with different assumptions, open the VO2 Max Calculator. Keep aerobic field-test estimation separate.
Frequently asked questions
Which equation is better?
Tanaka was derived from a broad evidence review, but neither equation measures an individual maximum.
Is 220 minus age exact?
No. It is a simple population-average estimate.
Can medication change my heart rate?
Yes. Discuss appropriate targets with a clinician when medication or cardiovascular disease is relevant.
Should I test my true maximum?
A maximal test can carry risk and should be chosen and supervised appropriately.
Primary sources and evidence limits
Sources were checked 2026-10-05. They establish the stated method or interpretation boundary; they do not make a field estimate equivalent to laboratory measurement, coaching, medical diagnosis, or an individualized safety decision.