Maximum heart rate falls with age and varies by ±10–12 bpm between people of the same age. Formulas give a starting point for training zones; a supervised maximal test gives the real value.
How to use the Maximum Heart Rate Calculator
- Formula
- Age (years)
Results update as you type, every field has its own unit menu, and everything is calculated in your browser.
How it works
Choose a formula and enter your age.
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Formula | Choose one: Fox – 220 − age, Tanaka – 208 − 0.7 × age, Nes – 211 − 0.64 × age, Inbar – 205.8 − 0.685 × age … |
| Age (years) | A number |
What each result means
- Fox = 220 – [Age (years)]
- Tanaka = 208 – 0.7×[Age (years)]
- Nes = 211 – 0.64×[Age (years)]
- Inbar = 205.8 – 0.685×[Age (years)]
- Gellish = 206.9 – 0.67×[Age (years)]
- Gulati (women) = 206 – 0.88×[Age (years)]
Example values
How the main result changes when Age changes and everything else stays at the example values above:
| Age (years) | Maximum heart rate (bpm) |
|---|---|
| 17.5 | 196 |
| 26.25 | 190 |
| 35 | 184 |
| 43.75 | 177 |
| 52.5 | 171 |
| 70 | 159 |
Formula
Fox: 220 − age · Tanaka: 208 − 0.7·age · Nes: 211 − 0.64·age · Inbar: 205.8 − 0.685·age · Gellish: 206.9 − 0.67·age · Gulati (women): 206 − 0.88·age
Worked example
Inputs — Formula: Tanaka – 208 − 0.7 × age; Age (years): 35.
Results — Maximum heart rate = 184 bpm; Fox = 185 bpm; Tanaka = 184 bpm; Nes = 189 bpm; Inbar = 182 bpm; Gellish = 183 bpm; Gulati (women) = 175 bpm.
Key terms
- Maximum heart rate
- Highest rate your heart reaches during all-out effort.
Frequently asked questions
Which formula is most accurate?
Tanaka and Gellish fit large groups of adults better than 220 − age.
Why is there a formula for women?
Gulati found women's maximum heart rate falls faster with age.
Can I exceed my maximum heart rate?
The measured value is your maximum; formulas are only estimates.
Does fitness change maximum heart rate?
Very little – training changes resting heart rate more.