1. What is Max Heart Rate?

Max Heart Rate (MHR) is the highest number of beats per minute your heart can reach during maximum physical exertion. The most common formula to estimate it is 220 minus your age.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• 220 — Theoretical maximum heart rate at birth
• Age — Current age in years

Explanation: The formula estimates that maximum heart rate decreases by approximately 1 beat per minute for each year of age.

3. Importance of Max Heart Rate

Details: Knowing your max heart rate helps determine appropriate exercise intensity levels and target heart rate zones for different training purposes.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Simply enter your age in years. The value must be between 1 and 120 for valid results.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is the 220-age formula?
A: It's a general estimate with ±10-12 bpm standard deviation. Individual variations exist based on fitness level and genetics.

Q2: Are there alternative formulas?
A: Yes, some suggest 208 - (0.7 × age) or 211 - (0.64 × age) which may be more accurate for certain populations.

Q3: Does fitness level affect max heart rate?
A: Surprisingly, fitness doesn't significantly change max HR, though it improves recovery and lowers resting HR.

Q4: Can medications affect max heart rate?
A: Yes, beta-blockers and other heart medications can lower your achievable heart rate during exercise.

Q5: Should I exercise at my max heart rate?
A: Generally no - most training should occur at 50-85% of max HR. Max HR is mainly used to calculate training zones.