Target Heart Rate Calculator Chart

Use this target heart rate calculator chart to determine your heart rate in four exercise intensity zones. Select your age to find an estimated maximum heart rate and the range of beats per minute in each zone: low intensity, moderate intensity, vigorous intensity and the aerobic zone.

This calculator chart uses a simple age-graded estimation of your maximum heart rate and multiplies it by your chosen percentage. The equation used is 206.9 - (0.67 x age). This and maximum heart rate prediction equations are the subjects of ongoing research since they tend to underestimate maximum heart rate for older people. That means that if you are older, it may be more accurate to use the zones showed for those who are five to 10 years younger.

For a more customized heart rate percentage, you may wish to use the Karvonen formula which requires you to know your resting heart rate. If you wear a fitness band or smartwatch that measures your resting heart rate automatically, that can be easily done. An advantage of using these devices to find your target heart rate is that they can be easily updated by the manufacturer to match the current research-backed zones. 

If you want to find your beats per minute for any percentage of maximum heart rate, you can use an online target heart rate calculator. It will also show you the range of heart rate you should be in to be in the entire moderate-to-vigorous intensity fitness zone.

For health and fitness benefits, aim to exercise in the moderate intensity zone for 30 minutes per day, five days per week for 150 total minutes per week. This is the zone for brisk walking.

You may instead do vigorous-intensity exercise, such as running, for 20 minutes, three times per week for a total of 60 minutes per week.

It's your choice which zone you use, you can mix it up and enjoy moderate-intensity exercise on some days and vigorous on other days. You will be training different aspects of your aerobic and endurance exercise systems by exercising in different target zones. A weekly walking workout plan varies your workouts throughout the week with different heart rate zone workouts. This plan can help you set up a great schedule to boost your fitness.

Meanwhile, don't discount low-intensity exercise, such as walking at an easy pace. It can help relieve stress and it reduces the health risks you'd be increasing if you just stayed sitting. Many forms of flexibility and strength exercises are also lower intensity yet still have benefits for your muscles and physical condition.

Using a heart rate monitor with a chest strap sensor is the most accurate way to see your heart rate continuously during exercise. It can be linked to a mobile app or wrist display to alert you when you are in your chosen heart rate zone. Many fitness bands and smartwatches also have this feature. They use LED sensors to detect your pulse while you exercise.