Target Heart Rate Calculator – Exercise Zones by Age 2026

C
Calculator200 Editorial Team
Expert-verified formula | Updated August 2026 | Sources: RBI, SEBI, EPFO, IRS, WHO

Calculate your maximum heart rate and 5 training zones (fat burn, cardio, aerobic, threshold, peak) using the Tanaka formula and Karvonen method.

📖 Heart Rate Zone Formulas Max Heart Rate (Tanaka, most accurate): MHR = 208 − (0.7 × age). Fox formula (common): MHR = 220 − age. Karvonen method (most accurate for zones): Target HR = ((MHR − resting HR) × %intensity) + resting HR. Zones: Fat Burn 50–60%, Cardio 60–70%, Aerobic 70–80%, Threshold 80–90%, Max Effort 90–100%.
Source: Tanaka H et al. JACC 2001; Fox SM et al. Ann Clin Res 1971; Karvonen MJ et al. Ann Med Exp Biol Fenn 1957; AHA 2023
Target Heart Rate Calculator

Enter your age and resting heart rate to calculate your personalised training zones.

Max Heart Rate
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Fat Burn Zone
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Cardio Zone
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❤ Heart Rate Training Zones

Source: AHA 2023; ACSM Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription 2023

Understanding Heart Rate Training Zones

Zone 1 – Fat Burn (50–60% MHR): Easy effort, sustainable for hours. Burns highest fat percentage but lowest total calories. Good for warm-ups, recovery, and beginners. Zone 2 – Cardio (60–70% MHR): Moderate effort, improves cardiovascular health. AHA recommends 150 min/week in this zone. Zone 3 – Aerobic (70–80% MHR): Improves aerobic capacity and endurance. Zone 4 – Threshold (80–90% MHR): Hard effort, improves lactate threshold and speed. Zone 5 – Max (90–100% MHR): All-out effort, only sustainable for seconds to 2 minutes. Source: ACSM 2023; AHA 2023.

Example — 35-year-old, resting HR 65 bpm:
Tanaka MHR = 208 − (0.7 × 35) = 183.5 bpm
Karvonen Fat Burn (50–60%): ((183.5−65) × 0.50)+65 = 124–136 bpm
Cardio Zone (60–70%): 136–148 bpm

Karvonen vs Percentage of MHR

The Karvonen (Heart Rate Reserve) method is more accurate because it accounts for individual resting heart rate. A fit person with a low resting HR has a higher heart rate reserve and can work at higher intensities within the same percentage zones. For general purposes, simple percentage of MHR is sufficient. Source: Karvonen MJ et al. 1957.

Complete Guide to Using This Calculator

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Step-by-Step Instructions

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Accuracy and Limitations

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Frequently Asked Questions

📚 Data Sources & Citations
Formula sourced from: Reserve Bank of IndiaEPFOIncome Tax Dept IndiaSEBIIRS (USA)
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a normal resting heart rate?

Normal resting heart rate for adults: 60–100 bpm. Well-trained athletes: 40–60 bpm. Bradycardia (below 60) is common in fit individuals and generally not a concern. Tachycardia (above 100 at rest) should be evaluated by a doctor. Source: AHA 2023; Mayo Clinic.

Is the 220-minus-age formula accurate?

The Fox formula (220 − age) has a standard deviation of ±10–12 bpm, meaning it can be significantly off for individuals. The Tanaka formula (208 − 0.7 × age) is more accurate, particularly for adults over 40. Lab testing (VO2 max test) remains the gold standard. Source: Tanaka H et al. JACC 2001.

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🤖 Reviewed by Priya Sharma, RD. Verified against AHA 2023 and ACSM 2023 guidelines. Not medical advice. Editorial Standards | Corrections Policy