Target Heart Rate Calculator

Where should my heart rate be while exercising in order to reach my fitness goal?

Every one should know their maximum heart rate (MHR) for exercising safely, which depends on your age. Also enter your fitness goal and let this calculator help determine your target heart rate (THR).

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78228 Last year I had an upper left lobectomy. My upper left lung portion was removed due to cancer. This year I want to get in shape again. Exercise has always been a part of my life. I am wanting to use the Fat Burn setting on the treadmill however; my doctor is not an exercise advocate. I am on blood pressure medication and find myself scared to go to my heart target: even the minimum. I am 70 years old and in good condition, I think. Have been exercising with a trainer since February 2014. - 7/20/2014 5:21:19 AM

patricia pulley Left side of chest is hurting and left arm is like numbing all the time, it's hard to explain - 3/1/2014 6:12:44 PM

leskel I get on treadmill walk at elevation 3 and speed 3.5 for 30 minutes and my heart rate stays around 70-78 I'm 63 and weigh 274, 6ft tall I recently put weight on due to and accident I had and was layed up in bed for 7 months ,broke 6 ribs and collar bone and scapula with collapsed lungs, and the ribs are healed and the scapula the collar bone has had 2 operations with a bone graft and metal plate - 5/27/2013 6:44:21 AM

twelvepaws i'm 60 yrs old my average rate is 149 i set it at 120-147 whats my problem - 9/2/2012 5:42:37 AM

Field Help

Input Fields

TitleA title for these calculator results that will help you identify it if you have printed out several versions of the calculator.

AgeYour current age.

Fitness GoalChoose the fitness goal closest to your actual goal.

Output Fields

Target Heart Rate (THR)Exercise at an intensity that will keep your heart rate within this range to best meet your fitness goal.

Max Heart Rate (MHR)Based on your age, this is your maximum heart rate. Even during high intensity exercise you should not let your heart rate go above this number.

Beats Per Minute (bpm)The number of heart beats per minute (bpm). If your exercise equipment has a pulse sensor it will be expressed as beats per minute.

Beats in 10 SecsFind your pulse at your neck or wrist. Using a clock or watch with a second hand, count each heart beat for 10 seconds. (This number times 6 will be your heart beats per minute (bpm).)

Exercise Intensity TableYour fitness goal helps determine the intensity of your exercise. In turn, exercise intensity and your age determines your target heart rate range to meet your fitness goal. This table shows the exercise intensity and target heart rate range for each fitness goal.