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Health and fitness formula

How to calculate maximum heart rate

Maximum heart rate is a rough estimate of the highest heart rate expected during hard exercise.

See the formulaOpen calculator
Direct answer
Formula
max heart rate = 220 - age

Use the table below to match each symbol with the right input. Keep units consistent before you start.

Maximum heart rate formula
Start here when you only need the equation and variable names.
Formula
max heart rate = 220 - age

Maximum heart rate is a rough estimate of the highest heart rate expected during hard exercise.

Variable meanings
Check each symbol, meaning, and unit before you calculate.
SymbolNameDescriptionUnit
ageAgeAge in years.years
max heart rateMaximum heart rateEstimated upper heart rate.bpm
When to use this formula
Check that your situation matches the formula before you trust the result.
  • Good for rough training-zone estimates when no tested max heart rate is available.
Step-by-step method
Follow these steps when you are solving it by hand.
  1. 1Use age in years.
  2. 2Subtract age from 220.
  3. 3Treat the result as an estimate with a wide error range.
Examples
These sample numbers show the order of operations and units.
Age 40
age
40
  1. 1.max heart rate = 220 - 40
  2. 2.max heart rate = 180 bpm
Result
The estimate is 180 bpm.
Age 27
age
27
  1. 1.max heart rate = 220 - 27
  2. 2.max heart rate = 193 bpm
Result
The estimate is 193 bpm.
Mistakes to avoid
Small input or unit errors can change the answer a lot.
  • Treating the maximum heart rate result as a diagnosis or a personal training plan.
  • Mixing inches, centimeters, pounds, and kilograms without converting first.
  • Using stale measurements after weight, activity, or training level changes.
  • Ignoring the method assumptions behind the estimate.
Open the Heart Rate Calculator
Open the calculator for the answer without rewriting the formula.

Enter your values in the related calculator, then compare the output with the hand method above.

Open Heart Rate Calculator
FAQs
Short answers for common formula questions.
Is the Maximum heart rate formula a medical test?

No. It gives an estimate from a few inputs. Treat it as a planning or screening number, and ask a qualified clinician about symptoms, medication, pregnancy, eating disorders, or medical conditions.

Why can my Maximum heart rate result differ from a wearable or lab test?

Different methods use different assumptions. Small measurement changes, activity estimates, and rounding can move the result.

Can I use the Heart Rate Calculator instead?

Yes. The Heart Rate Calculator handles the arithmetic and helps catch unit conversion mistakes.