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Target Heart Rate Zone Calculator

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How to Calculate Your Target Heart Rate Zone for Exercise

What is a Target Heart Rate Zone Calculator?

A Target Heart Rate Zone Calculator is a simple online tool that helps you find the optimal range your heart should beat during exercise based on your age and, if desired, your resting heart rate. This guides safe and effective workouts.


By quickly estimating your maximum heart rate and ideal training zones, this calculator supports your health, fitness, and weight management goals for activities like running or cycling. It’s especially useful for students, athletes, and anyone tracking cardiovascular progress.


Formula Behind Target Heart Rate Zone Calculation

The main formula for maximum heart rate is: Max Heart Rate (MHR) = 220 − Age. To find your target zones: Target Heart Rate = MHR × %Intensity. If you know your resting heart rate, you can also use the Karvonen Formula: Target Heart Rate = [(MHR – RHR) × %Intensity] + RHR for a more personalized result.


Target Heart Rate Zone Table by Age

Age (years)Max HR (bpm)Zone 2 (60-70%)Zone 3 (70-80%)Zone 4 (80-90%)
20200120–140 bpm140–160 bpm160–180 bpm
30190114–133 bpm133–152 bpm152–171 bpm
40180108–126 bpm126–144 bpm144–162 bpm
50170102–119 bpm119–136 bpm136–153 bpm
6016096–112 bpm112–128 bpm128–144 bpm
7015090–105 bpm105–120 bpm120–135 bpm

How to Use the Target Heart Rate Zone Calculator?

  1. Enter your age in years in the calculator above.
  2. (Optional) Enter your resting heart rate for a more personalized calculation.
  3. Click “Calculate” to view your maximum heart rate and target exercise zones instantly.
  4. Use the heart rate range for safe and effective exercise planning.

Why Choose Vedantu’s Target Heart Rate Zone Calculator?

Vedantu’s tool gives you instant results, adapts to your personal fitness level, and is verified by educators. Its mobile-friendly interface means you can check your exercise zones anytime—with confidence and ease.


Our calculator is trusted by learners and teachers across India. The calculations are based on health authority standards and help both Maths students and fitness enthusiasts understand and apply the logic of rates and percentages.


Applications of the Target Heart Rate Zone Calculator

Use this calculator for daily workouts, sports training, or tracking your cardiovascular progress before and after exercise. Runners, cyclists, and gym-goers can all determine their ideal exercise intensity.


It also supports weight loss, heart health, and stamina building. Teachers and students use it alongside topics like BMI and Calorie Calculator for holistic Maths and health education. Try out related tools such as the HCF Calculator and Percentage Calculator as well for more numerical insights.


Real-life Benefits and Health Insights

Knowing your heart rate zones helps you train safely and effectively, whether you're preparing for a sports event or aiming to improve your wellness. This method reduces the risk of overtraining and maximizes health benefits in each exercise session.


With guidance from Vedantu’s calculator, you can build a consistent fitness routine and understand the maths behind your body. Calculating and using these zones links science, mathematics, and health for everyday success.


FAQs on Target Heart Rate Zone Calculator

1. What is my target heart rate zone, and why is it important?

Your target heart rate zone is the ideal range your heart rate should fall within during exercise for optimal cardiovascular health and fitness benefits. It's crucial because exercising within this range helps improve endurance, burn calories effectively, and reduce the risk of injury. Knowing your target heart rate allows you to tailor your workout intensity for your specific fitness level and goals.

2. How do I calculate my maximum heart rate?

A common method to estimate your maximum heart rate (MHR) is the formula: MHR = 220 - your age. This provides a general estimate. For a more precise calculation, consider consulting a healthcare professional, who might incorporate your resting heart rate for a more accurate assessment.

3. What are the different heart rate zones, and what are their benefits?

Heart rate zones are typically categorized into percentages of your maximum heart rate. Zone 1 (50-60% MHR) is for warm-up and recovery; Zone 2 (60-70% MHR) improves aerobic base; Zone 3 (70-80% MHR) builds endurance and improves lactate threshold; Zone 4 (80-90% MHR) is for high-intensity interval training (HIIT); and Zone 5 (90-100% MHR) is for maximum effort, short bursts. Each zone offers distinct fitness benefits.

4. How can I use my target heart rate zone during exercise?

Use a heart rate monitor (watch, fitness tracker) to track your heart rate during exercise. Aim to maintain your heart rate within your target zone for the duration of your workout. If you're consistently above your target zone, reduce intensity. If you're too low, increase intensity. Remember to listen to your body, and adjust accordingly.

5. Is the 220-age formula accurate for everyone?

The 220-age formula is a general estimate and may not be perfectly accurate for everyone. Factors like fitness level, genetics, and underlying health conditions can influence your actual maximum heart rate. It’s a good starting point, but for personalized results, consult a healthcare professional or use a more advanced method that considers your resting heart rate.

6. What is the Karvonen method, and how is it different from the 220-age method?

The Karvonen method is a more precise way to calculate your target heart rate. It incorporates your resting heart rate, providing a more individualized calculation. The formula is: Target Heart Rate = [(MHR - RHR) × % Intensity] + RHR, where RHR is your resting heart rate. The 220-age method provides a simpler estimate but doesn't account for individual variation.

7. How often should I check my heart rate during a workout?

Ideally, check your heart rate periodically throughout your workout, especially during transitions between intensity levels. This helps ensure you stay within your target heart rate zone and avoid overexertion. How frequently you check depends on your fitness level and the type of workout you are doing.

8. What should I do if my heart rate is consistently outside my target zone?

If your heart rate is consistently above your target zone, slow down or reduce the intensity of your exercise. If it's consistently below, increase the intensity. Listen to your body – if you experience discomfort or shortness of breath, adjust your activity levels accordingly. If concerns persist, consult a doctor or physical therapist.

9. Can I use this calculator for all types of exercise?

This calculator provides a general estimate of your target heart rate zone. While applicable to various forms of exercise, remember that the intensity of different activities can vary. For high-intensity activities, you might find yourself at the higher end of your target heart rate zone, and for low-impact activities, the lower end might be more suitable. Always adjust your intensity to match your perceived exertion.

10. What are the benefits of exercising within my target heart rate zone?

Exercising within your target heart rate zone offers several benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, increased endurance, better calorie burning, enhanced weight management, and reduced risk of injury. It helps you train efficiently and achieve your fitness goals safely and effectively. Consistent training within the target zone strengthens your heart and improves overall physical fitness.

11. My resting heart rate is unusually high; should I be concerned?

A consistently high resting heart rate might indicate an underlying health issue. It's advisable to consult a doctor or healthcare professional to determine the cause. They can perform necessary tests and offer appropriate advice or treatment. Don't self-diagnose; seek professional medical guidance.