1. What is Maximum Heart Rate?

Maximum Heart Rate (Max HR) is the highest heart rate an individual can achieve during maximal physical exertion. The most common formula to estimate it is 220 minus age.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• 220 — Baseline value
• Age — Person's age in years

Explanation: This equation provides a rough estimate of your maximum safe heart rate based on age alone.

3. Importance of Maximum Heart Rate

Details: Knowing your maximum heart rate helps in setting appropriate exercise intensity levels and target heart rate zones for training.

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 standard deviation of about 10-12 bpm. Individual variations exist based on fitness 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: How should I use my max HR?
A: It helps determine exercise intensity zones (e.g., 50-70% of max HR for moderate exercise, 70-85% for vigorous).

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

Q5: Should I exercise at my max HR?
A: Generally no - maximum heart rate is a theoretical limit. Training zones typically use percentages of max HR.