VO2max from Resting HR
This shortcut multiplies max heart rate divided by resting heart rate by 15. A lower resting rate means the heart moves more blood per beat.
Your numbers
VO2max
45.9
Max heart rate
184bpm
Formula
VO2max = 15 × Max heart rate ÷ Resting HR
The error margin is wide — use the Cooper test or a lab measurement when accuracy matters.
What to enter
| Input | Default | Accepted range |
|---|---|---|
| AgeAge in completed years — it shifts by one depending on the birthday. | 35 | 10 ~ 100 |
| Resting HR (bpm)Resting heart rate, taken right after waking. | 60 | 30 ~ 120 |
Step by step
Quick reference table
Results when only Age changes and everything else stays put.
| Age | VO2max | Max heart rate (bpm) |
|---|---|---|
| 17.5 | 48.9 | 196 |
| 26.3 | 47.4 | 190 |
| 35 | 45.9 | 184 |
| 52.5 | 42.8 | 171 |
| 70 | 39.8 | 159 |
What each result means
| Result | At default values |
|---|---|
| VO2maxThe most oxygen you can use per minute — the cardio yardstick. | 45.9 |
| Max heart rate (bpm)Maximum heart rate estimated from age; individual variation is large. | 184 |
Common mistakes
The error margin is wide — use the Cooper test or a lab measurement when accuracy matters.
Glossary
- Age
- Age in completed years — it shifts by one depending on the birthday.
- Resting HR
- Resting heart rate, taken right after waking.
- VO2max
- The most oxygen you can use per minute — the cardio yardstick.
- Max heart rate
- Maximum heart rate estimated from age; individual variation is large.
Frequently asked questions
Q. How is VO2max from Resting HR calculated?
VO2max = 15 × Max heart rate ÷ Resting HR — This shortcut multiplies max heart rate divided by resting heart rate by 15. A lower resting rate means the heart moves more blood per beat.
Q. Can you walk through an example?
With Age 35, Resting HR 60bpm, the answer is VO2max 45.9.
Q. What do I need to enter?
Enter Age, Resting HR. 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 Age moves the answer to Age 17.5 → VO2max 48.9 and Age 70 → VO2max 39.8. 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?
The error margin is wide — use the Cooper test or a lab measurement when accuracy matters.
Related calculators
These calculators help you understand health figures; they do not replace diagnosis or prescription. See a clinician if you have symptoms.