Heart Rate Zone Calculator
Find your maximum heart rate and five training zones, with the Karvonen method.
Enter your values to see the result.
These results are estimates for general information, not medical advice. Body shape, muscle mass, age, ethnicity and health conditions all affect what is right for you, so talk to a doctor or dietitian before making health decisions.
Processing and privacy
Processing varies by tool. Check the instructions for local processing, server requests, external services and any file or request limits before entering sensitive information.
Read the privacy policyHow this calculation works
Understand the method, inputs and limits behind your result.
- Formula
- Estimated maximum heart rate = 208 − 0.7 × age (Tanaka), or 220 − age (Fox), or the entered maximum. Without resting pulse, target = maximum × zone fraction. With resting pulse, target = resting + (maximum − resting) × zone fraction.
- Variables
- Age
- Maximum heart rate formula: Tanaka: 208 − 0.7 × age, Classic: 220 − age, I know my maximum heart rate
- Maximum heart rate
- Resting heart rate (optional). Add it to use the more personal Karvonen (heart rate reserve) method.
- Units
- Age: years
- Maximum heart rate: bpm
- Resting heart rate (optional): bpm
- Example
- A 30-year-old has an estimated maximum heart rate of 187 bpm with the Tanaka formula, so zone 2 (60–70%) is about 112–131 bpm. With a resting heart rate of 60 bpm, the Karvonen zone 2 becomes about 136–149 bpm.
- Assumptions
- These results are estimates for general information, not medical advice. Body shape, muscle mass, age, ethnicity and health conditions all affect what is right for you, so talk to a doctor or dietitian before making health decisions.
- Source
- ToolzHive calculation guide and calculator implementation. External reference verification is pending.
- Last reviewed
- Review date not yet recorded.
Methodology & References
The method depends on the selected model and input options. Review the assumptions and references above before interpreting the result.
- Enter your age and choose how to estimate your maximum heart rate.
- Optionally, enter your resting heart rate, measured when you first wake up.
- Use the zone table to plan workouts: easy runs in zone 2, tempo work in zone 3 or 4 and short intervals in zone 5.
Interpretation and limitations
- What is the Karvonen method? It calculates training zones as a percentage of your heart rate reserve (maximum minus resting heart rate) and adds your resting rate back. It adapts zones to your fitness level.
- How accurate is 220 minus age? It can be off by 10–20 beats for individuals. The Tanaka formula is a little more accurate for adults, and a supervised exercise test gives your true maximum.
- Which zone burns the most fat? Lower zones burn a higher share of fat, but higher zones burn more calories in total. For most goals, a mix of easy zone 2 sessions and a few harder ones works best.
References
External reference verification is pending. The formula and examples describe the current ToolzHive implementation.
Share this tool
Found it useful? Send it to a friend or teammate.
Rate this tool
0.0
0 ratings
- 5 stars 0
- 4 stars 0
- 3 stars 0
- 2 stars 0
- 1 star 0
Clear instructions
Find steps, examples and limitations below.
Use online
Open the tool in a supported web browser.
Free to use
No sign-up required. Tool-specific limits may apply.
How to use the Heart Rate Zone Calculator
Training in the right heart rate zone helps you build endurance, burn fat or improve speed. This calculator estimates your maximum heart rate with the Tanaka formula (208 − 0.7 × age) or the classic 220 − age, or you can enter a measured maximum. Add your resting heart rate to use the Karvonen method, which bases your zones on your heart rate reserve for a more personal result.
- 1 Enter your age and choose how to estimate your maximum heart rate.
- 2 Optionally, enter your resting heart rate, measured when you first wake up.
- 3 Use the zone table to plan workouts: easy runs in zone 2, tempo work in zone 3 or 4 and short intervals in zone 5.
Example and practical tips
A 30-year-old has an estimated maximum heart rate of 187 bpm with the Tanaka formula, so zone 2 (60–70%) is about 112–131 bpm. With a resting heart rate of 60 bpm, the Karvonen zone 2 becomes about 136–149 bpm.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Karvonen method?
It calculates training zones as a percentage of your heart rate reserve (maximum minus resting heart rate) and adds your resting rate back. It adapts zones to your fitness level.
How accurate is 220 minus age?
It can be off by 10–20 beats for individuals. The Tanaka formula is a little more accurate for adults, and a supervised exercise test gives your true maximum.
Which zone burns the most fat?
Lower zones burn a higher share of fat, but higher zones burn more calories in total. For most goals, a mix of easy zone 2 sessions and a few harder ones works best.
Practical guides
-
How to Use Heart Rate Zone Calculator
Calculate your maximum heart rate and five training zones by age, or with your resting heart rate using the Karvonen method. Free heart rate zone calculator.
Report an issue
Something broken or not quite right? Tell us and we will look into it.