What is the Tanaka formula which is used to estimate an individuals maximal heart rate?

The maximum heart rate can be estimated using the commonly used formula of 220 minus your age in years (220-age), or a more accurate formula 208 - 0.7 x age (Tanaka et al., 2001).



These formula only give an estimation of maximum heart rate - ideally you should measure it. See the discussion on maximum heart rate. See also Heart Rate training ranges based on the Karvonen Formula.

AGE Max HR (220-age)Max HR (208 - 0.7xage)
10 210 200
11 209 199
12 208 199
13 207 198
14 206 197
15 205 197
16 204 196
17 203 195
18 202 194
19 201 194
20 200 193
21 199 192
22 198 192
23 197 191
24 196 190
25 195 190
26 194 189
27 193 188
28 192 187
29 191 187
30 190 186
31 189 185
32 188 185
33 187 184
34 186 183
35 185 183
36 184 182
37 183 181
38 182 180
39 181 180
40 180 179
41 179 178
42 178 178
43 177 177
44 176 176
45 175 176
46 174 175
47 173 174
48 172 173
49 171 173
50 170 172
51 169 171
52 168 171
53 167 170
54 166 169
55 165 169
56 164 168
57 163 167
58 162 166
59 161 166
60 160 165
61 159 164
62 158 164
63 157 163
64 156 162
65 155 162
66 154 161
67 153 160
68 152 159
69 151 159
70 150 158
71 149 157
72 148 157
73 147 156
74 146 155
75 145 155
76 144 154
77 143 153
78 142 152
79 141 152
80 140 151

Reference

  • Tanaka, H., Monahan, K.D., & Seals, D.R. (2001). Age-predicted maximal heart rate revisited. J Am Coll Cardiol. Jan;37(1):153-6.


  • The Karvonen Formula.
  • Discussion on maximum heart rate.
  • All about Heart Rate and Exercise.
  • Measuring Heart Rate — how to measure using the manual and monitor methods.
  • Exercise Heart Rate — a measure of intensity and fitness.
  • Heart Rate Monitors — how they work.
  • Table of Heart Rate Training Ranges.
  • A discussion of What is a normal heart rate?
  • Weight loss article 'Weight Management and Heart Rate Monitors'.
  • Heart Rate Monitors for sale.

Old Comments

Commenting is closed on this page, though you can read some previous comments below which may answer some of your questions.

  • Ian (2014)
    I am 69 and can maintain 190 bpm during maximum effort , is this potentially a problem ? do I need to keep it lower
  • Waleed assaf Ian (2016)
    Yes you do, you are increasing the risk of myocardial infarction if you go higher than the charts maxs
  • Barry Jutt Ian (2017)
    I am 72 year old male. 131. Not use to a heart rate above 54, 55 with meds. Still on meds and has been changing each time I take. 84 to 131.
  • Nelson Ian (2015)
    No sir is actually pretty good It means you can beat as hard as a 30 year old guy ....of course that goes hand in hand with previous existing conditions.
    Myself I'm 29 when tested was 201 so I'm like 19 according to the table :p
  • Christopher Cheng Sum Yan (2015)
    I am 9 and I tried skiing with 210 bpm and still alive so is it good for me?
  • Saad (2019)
    I am 82 year old adult male who has undergone 2 times quadruple by pass surgeies at age 45 and 56. As part of my fitness regimen I go to gym and work on treadmill for between 25 to 35 minutes.. When indicator shows high heart beat rate i reduce speed and bring up the speed later. I have been doing this routine for at least last 2/3 years. I have noticed that my heart beat which has been lowered to around 55 by use of concorr 2.5 now rises into high heart rate more often. Otherwise I am v fit and active. Please advise what I should do.
  • Manju (2016)
    I am 55 year old my max hr after running is 193 after running & average 143 is it ok
  • Alan Manju (2016)
    As long as that's regular for you, that's a good thing. I'm 50 and quite regularly get 204 or so on hill sprints . Resting minimum rate of 41. Definitely not a problem.
  • Waleed assaf Manju (2016)
    You must keep it in the range that is stated above

What is the Tanaka formula which is used to estimate an individual's maximal heart rate?

Age-based prediction equations of maximal heart rate (HRmax), such as the popular formulas Fox's 220-age, or Tanaka's 208-0.7 × age, have been widely used in various populations.

What is the correct formula for maximum heart rate?

To estimate your maximum age-related heart rate, subtract your age from 220. For example, for a 50-year-old person, the estimated maximum age-related heart rate would be calculated as 220 – 50 years = 170 beats per minute (bpm).

How do you use Tanaka formula?

Equations.
Classic: Maximum Heart Rate (beats/minute) = 220 - Age..
Tanaka: Maximum Heart Rate (beats/minute) = 208 - (0.7 x Age).

What is the correct Karvonen formula?

The Karvonen formula is your heart rate reserve multiplied by the percentage of intensity plus your resting heart rate. For example, a 50-year-old with a resting heart rate of 65 would calculate as follows: 220 - 50 = 170 for HRmax. 170 - 65 = 105 for RHR.