Decision tools built for clarity
Target Heart Rate Calculator
Estimate age-predicted maximum heart rate and moderate and vigorous exercise ranges.
Enter the required values, select the applicable options, and calculate.
These are population averages, not an exercise prescription; medicines and health conditions can change an appropriate target.
Methodology
Formula or transformation
Uses the AHA age-predicted maximum and moderate and vigorous percentage ranges.
Variables
- Age in completed years
- Age-predicted maximum heart rate
- Moderate intensity percentage range
- Vigorous intensity percentage range
Units
- Year
- Beats per minute
- Percent
Rounding policy
Heart-rate estimates are rounded to whole beats per minute.
The AHA guidance uses 220 minus age, with 50–70% for moderate activity and 70–85% for vigorous activity.
Estimate age-predicted maximum heart rate and moderate and vigorous exercise ranges.
Reviewed sources
- American Heart Association — Target heart rates chart Reviewed on 2026-09-07
Formula review history
-
Initial formula, safety warning, and source review.
Reviewed 2026-09-07 for formula version aha-age-predicted-target-heart-rate-v1
Assumptions
- Inputs are interpreted using the displayed units and options.
- The calculation follows the methodology and factors listed in the sources.
Limitations
- Display rounding can hide additional decimal places.
- The calculation cannot add accuracy that is absent from the submitted inputs.
- These are population averages, not an exercise prescription; medicines and health conditions can change an appropriate target.
Worked example
At age 40, the estimate is 180 bpm, with a moderate range of 90–126 bpm.
Frequently asked questions
Are the calculations deterministic?
Yes. The same valid inputs and options produce the same canonical result.
Can I use decimal values?
Use decimal values where the displayed input accepts them.