Understanding VO₂ Max

What Does VO₂ Max Tell You?

A VO₂ max of 50+ ml/kg/min is considered very good. Elite marathon runners typically score 70–85. Values below 30 are associated with significantly increased cardiovascular risk.

How to Improve It

Zone 2 training (conversational pace) for 80% of volume, and high-intensity intervals for 20% produces the most efficient VO₂ max improvements. Consistency over months matters more than individual session intensity.

Resting Heart Rate as a Proxy

This calculator uses the Cooper/Uth method: VO₂ max ≈ 15 × (Max HR ÷ Resting HR). Max HR is estimated as 220 − age. Actual VO₂ max testing requires laboratory equipment.

VO₂ Max Calculator

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