Cooper Test VO2max
Enter the metres covered running as far as possible in 12 minutes on level ground. VO2max is the headline measure of cardiorespiratory fitness and the fitness metric most strongly tied to mortality.
Your numbers
VO2max
42.4
Speed (km/h)
12km
What it means
A VO2max of 42.4 is average.
Formula
VO2max = (12-min distance (m) − 504.9) ÷ 44.73
This is an all-out effort — check with a doctor first if you have heart disease or are untrained.
What to enter
| Input | Default | Accepted range |
|---|---|---|
| 12-min distance (m)How far you ran in twelve minutes without stopping. | 2,400 | 500 ~ 5,000 |
Step by step
Quick reference table
Results when only 12-min distance (m) changes and everything else stays put.
| 12-min distance (m) | VO2max | Speed (km/h) (km) |
|---|---|---|
| 1,200 | 15.5 | 6 |
| 1,800 | 29 | 9 |
| 2,400 | 42.4 | 12 |
| 3,600 | 69.2 | 18 |
| 4,800 | 96 | 24 |
What each result means
| Result | At default values |
|---|---|
| VO2maxThe most oxygen you can use per minute — the cardio yardstick. | 42.4 |
| Speed (km/h) (km)How many kilometres you cover in an hour. | 12 |
Common mistakes
This is an all-out effort — check with a doctor first if you have heart disease or are untrained.
Glossary
- 12-min distance (m)
- How far you ran in twelve minutes without stopping.
- VO2max
- The most oxygen you can use per minute — the cardio yardstick.
- Speed (km/h)
- How many kilometres you cover in an hour.
Frequently asked questions
Q. How is Cooper Test VO2max calculated?
VO2max = (12-min distance (m) − 504.9) ÷ 44.73 — Enter the metres covered running as far as possible in 12 minutes on level ground. VO2max is the headline measure of cardiorespiratory fitness and the fitness metric most strongly tied to mortality.
Q. Can you walk through an example?
With 12-min distance (m) 2,400, the answer is VO2max 42.4.
Q. What do I need to enter?
Enter 12-min distance (m). The result recalculates as you type, and an empty box counts as zero.
Q. How much does the answer move if I change a number?
Changing only 12-min distance (m) moves the answer to 12-min distance (m) 1,200 → VO2max 15.5 and 12-min distance (m) 4,800 → VO2max 96. The table below lays out five steps.
Q. How are the numbers rounded?
Money is shown to the nearest whole unit, percentages to one decimal place and everything else to two. What you see is rounded; the calculation itself carries the unrounded value forward.
Q. Anything to watch out for?
This is an all-out effort — check with a doctor first if you have heart disease or are untrained.
Related calculators
These calculators help you understand health figures; they do not replace diagnosis or prescription. See a clinician if you have symptoms.