There are four VO2max calculators on this page. Each VO2max calculator provides an estimate of your VO2max. The first calculator does not require any physical exertion and is very quick and reliable. The second, third, and fourth calculators estimate your VO2max based on your performance of a unique physical exertion test. Scroll through the entire page to view them all!
VO2max Calculator - Resting Heart Rate Based
VO2max Calculator - One Mile Walk Test
VO2max Calculator - Three Minute Step Test
VO2max Calculator - 1.5 Mile Run / Walk Test
About These Calculators
It is important to remember that these calculators provide estimates only. They are reliable indicators of your VO2max, but the best way to truly determine your VO2max is through direct analysis of your oxygen consumption levels during a maximal physical exertion test. This requires the use of sophisticated equipment in a laboratory setting. Read more about this subject in our VO2 and VO2max article.
Calculator Formulas
The formulas used by these VO2max calculators are shown below.
Formula for Determination of VO2max Based on Resting Heart Rate
VO2max = 15.3 x (MHR/RHR)
where
MHR = Maximum heart rate (beats/minute) = 208 - (0.7 x Age)
RHR = Resting heart rate (beats/minute) = 20 second heart rate x 3
Formula for Determination of VO2max Based on One Mile Walk Test
where
W = Weight (in pounds)
A = Age (in years)
G = Gender factor (G = 0 for a female, G = 1 for a male)
T = Test completion time (in minutes)
H = Heart rate at test completion (beats/minute)
Formulas for Determination of VO2max Based on Three Minute Step Test
Males: VO2max = 111.33 - 0.42H
Females: VO2max = 65.81 - 0.1847H
where
H = Heart rate (in beats/minute) after test completion
Formula for Determination of VO2max Based on 1.5 Mile Run / Walk Test
VO2max = 483/T + 3.5
where
T = Test completion time (in minutes)
References
The estimation of maximum heart rate for the resting heart rate based VO2max calculator is derived from Tanaka, H., Monhan, K.D., Seals, D.G., Age-predicted maximal heart rate revisited. Am Coll Cardiol 2001; 37:153-156.
The VO2max calculator that is based on resting heart rate is derived from Uth N, Sorensen H, Overgaard K, Pedersen PK. Estimation of VO2max from the ratio between HRmax and HRrest--the Heart Rate Ratio Method. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2004 Jan;91(1):111-5.
The three VO2max calculators requiring physical exertion are adapted from Fahey, T., Insel, P., Roth, W., Fit & Well: Core Concepts and Labs in Physical Fitness and Wellness (Seventh Edition), McGraw-Hill, 2007.