VO2 Max Calculator: Estimate Maximum Volume of Oxygen

The four calculators below are all designed to estimate your VO2 Max or the maximum rate of oxygen that your body can absorb and utilize to fuel maximal-effort physical activity.

The more oxygen your body can uptake and use, the better performance potential. But this depends on your level of fitness or how efficiently your heart and veins can deliver blood to muscles. Therefore, VO2max is essentially a measure of your cardiorespiratory fitness. The good news is you can increase your VO2 max through training and exercise.

It’s also important to note that three out of the four calculators on this page require you to take a self-administered physical exertion test and push yourself. Therefore, these tests may not be appropriate for everyone. If you suffer from any health conditions or do not regularly engage in similar physical activities, then it is best to avoid these tasks or check with a medical professional before doing them.

VO2 Max Calculator: Resting Heart Rate Based

This calculator estimates VO2 max based on how many times your heart beats in 20 seconds while your body is in a rested state. It’s simpler and easier to use compared to the other calculators you’ll find below. However, keep in mind, it may not be the most accurate.

How to perform the test

While in a relaxed state, take your pulse by counting the number of times your heart beats in 20 seconds. Enter this number and your age into the calculator to estimate your VO2 max.

You can learn how to manually take your pulse here.

 

VO2 Max Calculator: Three Minute Step Test

This calculator requires a 3-minute step test to estimate your VO2 max. You’ll need something like a step, box or bench raised 12 inches from the floor, a stopwatch, and a metronome. If you do not have a metronome, you can use the free online version at metronomeonline.com

You’ll also need to check your pulse which you can do manually or using a heart rate device.

How to perform the test

Note: This test is strenuous and we only recommend it for healthy and decently fit individuals.

First do a few practice rounds by stepping up with your left leg first then your right leg, and then step down with your left leg followed by your right leg. This is the sequence you’ll use for the test.

For men: Set the metronome to 96 beats per minute

For women: Set the metronome to 88 beats per minute

Make sure you can hear the metronome during the test.

1. When you’re ready to begin, start the stopwatch and perform the test by taking one step for every beat of the metronome for 3 consecutive minutes. Do this at a consistent pace.
2. Wait 5 seconds and then check your pulse by counting the number of times your heart beats in 15 seconds. Enter this number and your age into the calculator to estimate your VO2 max.

 

VO2 Max Calculator: 1.5 Mile Run / Walk Test

This calculator uses the Cooper 1.5 mile run/walk test to estimate VO2 max.

According to a study by the American College of Sports Medicine, the 1.5 run test is a valid method for assessing cardiovascular fitness (1).

How to perform the test

Note: We do not recommend the 1.5 mile run for those who are not physically fit, not used to running, overweight, or who have any health conditions that require supervision from a medical professional. The 1.5 mile walk may be the better option if you’re physically capable.

Before you take the test, you should find a level surface like a running track or any suitable area and measure out a distance of 1.5 miles, or you can use a treadmill.

It’s also a good idea to warm up for roughly 5 minutes by walking at a decent pace.

1. When you’re ready, start the stopwatch and begin running at your own pace or walk the 1.5 mile distance as fast as you can.
2. Stop the timer and enter the value and your age into the calculator to get an estimate of your VO2 max.

 

VO2 Max Calculator: One Mile Walk Test

This calculator estimates VO2 max using the Rockport Walking Test. It’s a better option for people who are not as fit or who are overweight.

According to one study, the Rockport 1 mile test is a “valid predictor of VO2 max” and viable alternative to the Air Force 1.5 mile run for assessing cardiovascular fitness (2).

This test involves walking one mile and then measuring your heart rate. You’ll also enter your weight, age, and the time it took you to complete the mile. 

To do it you’ll need…

• A scale to weigh yourself (measures in lbs)
• Appropriate clothing and shoes for walking
• An area or treadmill to walk a one mile distance 
• Stopwatch
• GPS 

You’ll also need to measure your heart rate which can be done manually checking the wrist or neck pulse, or using a heart rate device such as a fitness tracker or other heart rate monitor.

There are advantages and disadvantages of doing physical exertion tests because the environment (e.g., performing the tests inside or outside) can affect the results.

How to perform the test

Before you perform the test, make sure to find a level and consistent walking surface, or use a treadmill.

1. Start by walking at a normal, easy pace for a few minutes to warm up and prepare for the one mile walk.
2. Start the stopwatch and walk as fast as you can (without jogging) for one mile.
3. After you’ve walked one mile, stop the timer and record the result.
4. Immediately take your pulse by counting the number of times your heart beats in 10 seconds. Make sure to record this number to enter it in the calculator.
5. Input the values into the calculator for an estimate of your VO2 max.

 

Reading Your Results 

Each calculator will display your results and classifications based on your gender and age range expressed in milliliters of oxygen used per kilogram of body weight per minute (ml/kg/min). You can use the charts below to find your VO2 max level but it’s not necessary.

The calculators will show your results or fitness level ranging from poor to superior in a simple and easy to read format.

VO2 Max Classifications for Men (mL•kg-1•min-1)

Age	D	C	B	A	A+
20 – 29	≤ 41	42 – 45	46 – 50	51 – 55	56+
30 – 39	≤ 40	41 – 43	44 – 47	48 – 53	54+
40 – 49	≤ 37	38 – 41	42 – 45	46 – 52	53+
50 – 59	≤ 34	35 – 37	38 – 42	43 – 49	50+
60 – 69	≤ 30	31 – 34	35 – 38	39 – 45	46+
70 – 79	≤ 27	28 – 30	31 – 35	36 – 41	42+

VO2 Max Classifications for Women (mL•kg-1•min-1)

Age	D	C	B	A	A+
20 – 29	≤ 35	36 – 39	40 – 43	44 – 49	50+
30 – 39	≤ 33	34 – 36	37 – 40	41 – 45	46+
40 – 49	≤ 31	32 – 34	35 – 38	39 – 44	45+
50 – 59	≤ 24	25 – 28	29 – 30	31 – 34	35+
60 – 69	≤ 25	26 – 28	29 – 31	32 – 35	36+
70 – 79	≤ 23	24 – 26	27 – 29	30 – 35	36+

* Original table source: The Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research, The Physical Fitness Specialist Manual. Dallas, TX. 2005.

VO2 Max Formulas for all calculators

We’ve included the formulas for each of the calculators on this page below. You can do the math manually if you wish, however, if you’re not the best at arithmetic or don’t care to try, you can simply enter your details into the calculators and it’ll do all the work for you.

Resting heart rate formula 

• VO2 max = 15.3 x (MHR/RHR)

MHR = Maximum heart rate (beats/minute) = 208 – (0.7 x Age)

RHR = Resting heart rate (beats/minute) = 20 second heart rate x 3

One mile walk test formula

• VO2 max = 132.853 – 0.0769W – 0.3877A + 6.315G – 3.2649T – 0.1565H

W = Weight (in pounds)

A = Age (in years)

G = Gender factor (G = 0 for a female, G = 1 for a male)

T = Test completion time (in minutes)

H = Heart rate at test completion (beats/minute)

Three minute step test formula 

• Males: VO2 max = 111.33 – 0.42H
• Females: VO2 max = 65.81 – 0.1847H

H = Heart rate (in beats/minute) after test completion

1.5 mile run / walk test formula

• VO2 max = 483/T + 3.5

T = Test completion time (in minutes)

VO2: Oxygen and ATP (Energy Currency of Cells)

During exercise, our bodies take in oxygen from the air where it’s then transferred from our blood to the muscles. This process, also known as cellular respiration, is the catalyst to convert the energy from foods we eat (e.g. glucose from carbohydrates) into the molecules adenosine triphosphate (ATP), also known as the energy currency of cells.

It’s also important to note that ATP can also be produced anaerobically or without oxygen, although, for very short durations.  

ATP has three phosphate groups. When cells need energy to power physiological processes such as muscle contractions, ATP is broken down into adenosine diphosphate (ADP), which only contains two phosphate groups. A phosphate is then removed from ADP and forms adenosine monophosphate (AMP). Energy can then be released into cells and cause favorable reactions, or do their work in the cells.

But when there’s extra energy in the cells from foods we eat, ADP is turned back into ATP and this continues over and over again. That’s why ATP are often compared to rechargeable batteries. ATP are the higher energy source while ADP are the lower energy source, and glucose plus the addition of the third phosphate group recharges ADP into ATP.

Find Your VO2 Max

You can use our VO2 max calculators to help you determine one aspect of your physical fitness. The more oxygen your body is able to use during exercise, the better performance potential. The good news is, you can become fitter and increase your VO2 max and consequently see more results and achieve your goals.

It’s not necessarily an indicator of what you can achieve in your chosen discipline as there are many factors that determine this. However, improving your cardiorespiratory fitness is a good start.

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