Free Heart Rate Zone Calculator

Calculate your 5 heart rate training zones based on your age and resting heart rate using the standard or Karvonen formula.

Calculate Heart Rate Zones

Enter resting HR for Karvonen formula (more accurate). Leave blank to use standard % of Max HR.

Understanding Heart Rate Zones

Heart rate training zones divide your effort levels into five ranges based on your maximum heart rate. Each zone targets different physiological adaptations, from recovery and fat burning to peak cardiovascular performance. Training in the right zone ensures you get the most benefit from each workout while managing fatigue and recovery.

The 5 Heart Rate Zones

Zone% of Max HRPurpose
Zone 150-60%Recovery, warm-up, cool-down
Zone 260-70%Fat burning, base endurance
Zone 370-80%Aerobic fitness, moderate cardio
Zone 480-90%Lactate threshold, tempo runs
Zone 590-100%VO2 max, sprints, max effort

Standard vs. Karvonen Formula

The standard method simply uses percentages of your max heart rate (220 minus age). The Karvonen formula is more personalized because it factors in your resting heart rate to calculate your Heart Rate Reserve (HRR = Max HR - Resting HR), then applies percentages to the reserve and adds back the resting HR. If you know your resting heart rate, the Karvonen method provides more accurate zones tailored to your current fitness level.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find my resting heart rate?
Measure your pulse first thing in the morning before getting out of bed. Count the beats for 60 seconds or for 30 seconds and multiply by 2. Do this for 3-5 mornings and average the results for the most accurate reading.
What is the Karvonen formula?
The Karvonen formula calculates target heart rate using your Heart Rate Reserve (HRR): Target HR = ((Max HR - Resting HR) × % Intensity) + Resting HR. It's more accurate than simple percentage-of-max because it accounts for your fitness level.
Is the 220 minus age formula accurate?
The 220-age formula is a general estimate and can be off by 10-20 bpm for individuals. It's a good starting point, but if you want a more accurate max HR, consider a graded exercise test supervised by a professional.
Which zone burns the most fat?
Zone 2 (60-70% max HR) uses the highest percentage of fat for fuel. However, higher-intensity zones burn more total calories per minute. For overall fat loss, a mix of Zone 2 endurance and higher-intensity intervals is most effective.
How long should I train in each zone?
Most training plans recommend 80% of workout time in Zones 1-2 and 20% in Zones 3-5. This polarized approach builds a strong aerobic base while developing speed and power with targeted high-intensity sessions.

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