Maximum Heart Rate Calculator

Compare Tanaka, 220-minus-age and Gellish linear predictions, see the age relationship, and understand the difference between an estimate and a measured maximum.

Calculation inputs

Treat the maximum as a source, not a guarantee

1
Choose the named equation
The coefficient and source are shown openly; no formula is silently mixed with another.
2
Enter adult age
The marker moves on the comparison chart when age changes.
3
Keep individual limits clinical
Use a clinician-provided training limit when one has been established.

Measurement and method sources are linked below. Illustrations explain the workflow; they do not supply measurement data.

Compare the age-prediction equations

Tanaka220 − ageGellish linear

Calculation results

Age-predicted maximum heart rate187 bpmTanaka et al. (2001) · adult prediction

Tanaka187 bpm

220 − age190 bpm

Gellish linear186 bpm

Step-by-step solution

Choose the formula
$HRmax = 208 − 0.7 × age$
Substitute your measurements
$Age = 30 years$
Calculate in order
$208 − 21$
Write the result
$187 bpm$

Representative cycle ergometer and blank-display heart-rate equipment — Representative illustration · no measured heart-rate data are taken from the image.

1
Choose a population equation
208 − 0.7 × age
2
Substitute your age
208 − 21
3
Keep prediction and measurement separate
The result is 187 bpm; your measured maximum may differ.

Adult educational tool. Heart-rate medicines, rhythm disorders and medical conditions can change interpretation. Use clinician-set limits when you have them.

These are population predictions. Differences between equations are not an individual confidence interval. Do not perform a maximal exercise test to check this estimate.

Measurements & calculation details

187 bpm

Quantity	Value
Age	30 years
Selected equation	HRmax = 208 − 0.7 × age
Tanaka	187 bpm
220 − age	190 bpm
Gellish linear	186 bpm

Try a worked example

Choose an example to load its measurements into the calculator. Each result uses the same calculation engine as your own inputs. Back to your calculation

Understand the calculation

Concept & meaning

Age-predicted HRmax is a population-model output. It is not a hard ceiling, a fitness score or a measurement of your own maximum. The comparison puts three named equations beside one another without claiming one is accurate for every person.

Formula & special cases

Tanaka uses 208 − 0.7 × age; the familiar estimate uses 220 − age; the Gellish linear form used here is 207 − 0.7 × age. The graph varies age only. Its distance between curves is an equation difference, not a personal uncertainty interval.

Scope & limitations

The supported adult age range is an interface bound, not evidence that each equation was validated at every age shown. Medicines, health status and individual variation matter. A maximal exercise assessment needs an appropriate professional setting; do not attempt one to verify this calculator.

HRmax = 208 − 0.7 × age

Result from your current inputs

Age-predicted maximum heart rate: 187 bpm

Frequently asked questions

Is the result my actual maximum?

No. It is a prediction from age. A measured maximum and a population estimate can differ.

Does a higher predicted maximum mean greater fitness?

No. These age equations do not evaluate aerobic fitness or training readiness.

Can I choose the highest equation as my limit?

No. Selecting a formula does not establish a safe upper exercise rate for an individual.

What does the chart show?

It compares the mathematical outputs of the three equations at nearby adult ages, with your selected age highlighted.

Show all questions (5 more)Show fewer questions

What does the Maximum Heart Rate calculate?

Compare Tanaka, 220-minus-age and Gellish linear predictions, see the age relationship, and understand the difference between an estimate and a measured maximum.

Which values should I enter?

Use the labeled fields above. Values outside the supported range clear the result and show an explanation.

What formula does this calculator use?

Tanaka: 208 − 0.7 × age; 220 − age: 220 − age; Gellish linear: 207 − 0.7 × age

Why might my result differ from another source?

Results can differ because measurement methods, rounding and assumptions vary. This calculator is an estimate and is not a medical diagnosis.

Does the result update automatically?

Yes. Inputs and presets update the result, teaching diagram and expandable steps together. Invalid input clears the previous result.

Three equations, explicit assumptions

Calculation	Formula	Interpretation
Tanaka	208 − 0.7 × age	Population prediction
220 − age	220 − age	General age-based guide
Gellish linear	207 − 0.7 × age	Linear model, not a personal limit

Sources & References

Tanaka, Monahan & Seals · 2001Age-predicted maximum heart rate in healthy adultsRead the reference

Gellish et al. · 2007Longitudinal age/HRmax model · linear formRead the reference

American Heart AssociationGeneral maximum and target-rate contextRead the reference

References document the methods and their limitations; links and logos do not imply institutional endorsement or expert review.