Tools

How can you calculate training heart-rate zones?

Training works when your heart rate sits in the right zone. We compute max HR by the Tanaka formula and zones by Karvonen — using your resting pulse, not just age.

HRmax ≈ 187
Z1 · Recovery124–136effortless conversation; warm-ups and easy days
Z2 · Base136–149the endurance foundation; most mileage lives here
Z3 · Tempo149–162“comfortably hard”; builds aerobic power
Z4 · Threshold162–174intervals; talking no longer works
Z5 · Max174–187short reps; for the well-trained only

Sources: Tanaka et al., JACC 2001 (HRmax ≈ 208 − 0.7 × age — more accurate than the old “220 − age”); the Karvonen method (heart-rate reserve). Formulas are a ±10 bpm guide — only a stress test is more precise.

How to use the result

How it works

We estimate the maximum with the Tanaka formula (208 − 0.7 × age) and build the zones with Karvonen's method from your resting pulse — so two people of the same age get different zones.

How to read the result

Formulae provide an estimate, not your measured maximum. Start comfortably and progress gradually.

Limitations

With cardiovascular disease, unusual pain, dizziness or breathlessness, discuss exercise with a clinician.

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