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Heart Rate Zone Calculator

Calculate your five heart rate training zones and target heart rate with the Karvonen (heart rate reserve) method or a simple % of max.

For general information only — not medical advice. Results are estimates; talk to a doctor or qualified health professional about your own health.

How to use

  1. 1Enter your age and resting heart rate (measure it first thing in the morning).
  2. 2Enter your true max heart rate if you know it — otherwise it's estimated.

How it's calculated

Max HR ≈ 208 − 0.7 × age (Tanaka) or 220 − age. Karvonen: target = rest + intensity × (max − rest). Zones: 50–60%, 60–70%, 70–80%, 80–90%, 90–100%.

Frequently asked questions

Which max heart rate formula is best?

Tanaka (208 − 0.7 × age) is more accurate than 220 − age for most adults, but individuals can differ by 10–20 bpm. A field test gives the best number.

What is zone 2 training?

Easy aerobic work at roughly 60–70% of heart rate reserve, where you can still hold a conversation. It builds endurance with little fatigue.

Is there really a fat-burning zone?

Lower intensities burn a higher share of fat, but higher intensities burn more total calories. For fat loss, total energy balance matters most.