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Target Heart Rate Calculator (5 Zones)

Compute max heart rate and 5 training zones using the Karvonen method (heart-rate reserve) or simple percent-of-max. For cardio training and weight loss.

HEALTH

Find your max heart rate (220 − age) and 5 training zones (recovery, fat-burn, aerobic, threshold, VO2max) using the Karvonen reserve method (accounts for resting HR) or percent-of-max.

Zone 1 (50-60%): recovery walks. Zone 2 (60-70%): fat-oxidation peaks, base endurance. Zone 3 (70-80%): cardiovascular base. Zone 4 (80-90%): lactate threshold race-pace work. Zone 5 (90-100%): VO2max, 1-5 min intervals only. Karvonen is more accurate than percent-of-max because it uses your individual HR reserve.

Disclaimer: 220−age has ±10-15 bpm individual error. Best measured via graded exercise test or peak observed during all-out efforts. Tanaka (208−0.7×age) is more accurate over 40.

Target Heart Rate Calculator

Find your max heart rate (220 − age) and 5 training zones using either the Karvonen reserve method (accounts for resting HR) or the simpler percent-of-max method.

Measure first thing in the morning. Adult average: 60-80; trained athletes 40-60.
Max Heart Rate (220 − age)
190 bpm
Heart Rate Reserve (max − resting)125 bpm
Zone 1 — Recovery / Warm-up128140 bpm

Easy. Talk in full sentences. Long walks, warm-ups.

Zone 2 — Aerobic / Fat burn140153 bpm

Easy conversation. Fat oxidation peaks. Most endurance work.

Zone 3 — Aerobic / Threshold153165 bpm

Short sentences only. Cardiovascular base-building.

Zone 4 — Lactate Threshold165178 bpm

Breathing hard. Few words. Race-pace intervals.

Zone 5 — VO2max / Anaerobic178190 bpm

All-out. 1-5 min intervals only.

The 220−age formula has ±10-15 bpm error for individuals. For better accuracy, find your true max via a graded exercise test or look at peak heart rate during all-out efforts. Tanaka formula (208 − 0.7×age) is more accurate for adults over 40.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Target Heart Rate Calculator (5 Zones) for?
Find your max heart rate (220 − age) and 5 training zones (recovery, fat-burn, aerobic, threshold, VO2max) using the Karvonen reserve method (accounts for resting HR) or percent-of-max.
How do I use the Target Heart Rate Calculator (5 Zones)?
Zone 1 (50-60%): recovery walks. Zone 2 (60-70%): fat-oxidation peaks, base endurance. Zone 3 (70-80%): cardiovascular base. Zone 4 (80-90%): lactate threshold race-pace work. Zone 5 (90-100%): VO2max, 1-5 min intervals only. Karvonen is more accurate than percent-of-max because it uses your individual HR reserve.
How accurate are my target heart rate (5 zones) results?
220−age has ±10-15 bpm individual error. Best measured via graded exercise test or peak observed during all-out efforts. Tanaka (208−0.7×age) is more accurate over 40.
Is the Target Heart Rate Calculator (5 Zones) free to use?
Yes - every calculator on WhichCalc is completely free with no signup, no usage limits, and no tracking on the calculation itself. Results display instantly in your browser and your inputs are never sent to a server. Bookmark the page if you use this calculator regularly.