1. What is Maximum Heart Rate?

Maximum Heart Rate (MHR) is the highest number of beats per minute your heart can achieve during maximum physical exertion. The most common formula to estimate MHR is 220 minus your age.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard MHR equation:

Where:

• \( MHR \) — Maximum heart rate (beats per minute)
• \( age \) — Age in years

Explanation: This simple formula provides a rough estimate of your maximum heart rate based on age alone.

3. Importance of MHR Calculation

Details: Knowing your MHR helps determine appropriate exercise intensity levels and target heart rate zones for different types of training.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Simply enter your age in years. The value must be between 1 and 120 for valid results.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is the 220-age formula accurate for everyone?
A: No, it's a general estimate. Individual variations can be ±10-20 bpm. More accurate formulas exist but require clinical testing.

Q2: What are typical MHR values?
A: For a 20-year-old: ~200 bpm; 40-year-old: ~180 bpm; 60-year-old: ~160 bpm.

Q3: Can you exceed your maximum heart rate?
A: Generally no, though some highly trained athletes might briefly exceed their estimated MHR.

Q4: Are there alternative formulas?
A: Yes, some suggest 208 - (0.7 × age) or 211 - (0.64 × age) may be more accurate for certain populations.

Q5: How is MHR used in exercise?
A: Target heart rate zones are typically percentages (50-85%) of your MHR for different training intensities.