Practical Calculators

Heart Rate Zone Calculator

Estimates training heart-rate zones using your age (for maximum heart rate) and, if you enter it, resting heart rate for the Karvonen (heart-rate reserve) method. These are fitness-planning bands, not medical targets—medications, fatigue, heat, and fitness level change how hard the same pace feels.

Result

How this calculation works

What each input means

  • Age — Feeds the common 220 − age max heart-rate estimate.
  • Resting heart rate (optional) — When provided and below max, zones use the Karvonen formula (heart-rate reserve): target = resting + (% reserve) × (max − resting).

Formula used

Max HR estimate: HRmax ≈ 220 − age (many alternatives exist). Five bands use 50–60%, 60–70%, 70–80%, 80–90%, and 90–100% of either reserve (Karvonen) or of max HR when resting HR is absent.

Beta blockers, illness, heat, and fitness shift HR response—zones are planning aids, not prescriptions.

How this result is estimated

This heart rate zone estimator applies the formulas described on this page to the values you enter. Outputs are not financial, tax, legal, or medical advice.

  • Inputs are user-provided and may include rounding.
  • Where accuracy, eligibility, or obligations matter, rely on official disclosures and licensed professionals.

Last reviewed: 2026-04-17

Frequently asked questions

Is 220 minus age accurate for my max heart rate?

It is only a population estimate; measured max varies widely. Use zones as flexible guides—rating of perceived exertion and talk tests still matter.

Why enter resting heart rate?

With resting HR, the tool can apply the Karvonen (heart-rate reserve) approach. Without it, zones fall back to percentages of the estimated max HR only.

Can I use these zones if I take heart medications?

Some drugs blunt exercise heart rate. Ask your clinician how to interpret zones or whether another intensity prescription fits better.

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