Max Heart Rate Calculator
Estimate maximum heart rate with the classic, Tanaka, and Gulati formulas — the anchor value for every heart-rate training zone.
Reviewed October 7, 2026 Runs in your browser — inputs are never stored
This tool provides general sports and fitness estimates for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice — consult a physician before starting or intensifying training, especially if you have a cardiovascular condition.
About the Max Heart Rate Calculator
The max heart rate calculator compares three formulas: the classic 220 − age, Tanaka (208 − 0.7 × age), which is more accurate for older adults, and Gulati (206 − 0.88 × age) for women. Individual maximums can differ from any formula by 10–20 bpm; a supervised test gives the true value.
How to use it
- 1Enter your age.
- 2Select your sex.
- 3Press Calculate to compare the formulas.
Worked example
for a 40-year-old woman, 220 − age gives 180 bpm, Tanaka 180 bpm and Gulati about 171 bpm.
How it works
Formulas
Classic: 220 − age. Tanaka: 208 − 0.7 × age. Gulati (women): 206 − 0.88 × age.
Common use cases
- Setting training zones
- Understanding fitness-tracker estimates
- Comparing formulas
Frequently asked questions
A:Tanaka (208 − 0.7 × age) is more accurate than 220 − age for most adults; Gulati is validated for women.
A:No — it is largely genetic and declines slowly with age. Training improves the effort you can sustain, not the ceiling.
A:A supervised maximal graded test or an all-out 3–5 minute hill effort after a full warm-up gives the closest real value.
A:No — max heart rate does not correlate with performance; VO₂ max and threshold do.
A:Individual max heart rates vary ±10–12 bpm around any age-based prediction.
Reviewed for accuracy · Last updated October 7, 2026
Formulas follow published sports-science literature and official league definitions (Karvonen heart rate reserve, Cooper and Bruce protocols, MET compendium values, and standard baseball, cricket, and basketball statistics).
CalcWisee Editorial Team
Calculator development and formula review
CalcWisee is an independent site founded by Ayman. Every calculator is built from a published formula or official definition, tested against hand-worked examples before it goes live, and corrected promptly when a reader reports an issue to ayman@calcwisee.com.
Expertise: Financial mathematics, Health and fitness formulas, Applied mathematics, Unit conversion standards
References & sources