Target Heart Rate (THR) Calculator (Karvonen Method)

Target Heart Rate Calculator (Karvonen Formula)

Target Heart Rate (THR) Calculator

Uses the personalized Karvonen formula to find your ideal exercise heart rate zone.

Personal Metrics

Measure your pulse immediately upon waking up.

Recommended range: 50-70% for Fat Burn, 70-85% for Cardio.

Maximum Heart Rate (MHR)

Beats Per Minute (BPM)

Your Target Heart Rate Zone

BPM

The Karvonen Formula for Personalized Training

The **Target Heart Rate (THR) Calculator** uses the **Karvonen Method** because it is more personalized than simple formulas. By incorporating your **Resting Heart Rate (RHR)**, the formula accounts for your current fitness level, making the THR zone more accurate.

Karvonen Formula Steps

The calculation is performed in three steps:

  • **Step 1: Calculate Maximum Heart Rate (MHR)**: $MHR = 220 – \text{Age}$
  • **Step 2: Calculate Heart Rate Reserve (HRR)**: $HRR = MHR – RHR$
  • **Step 3: Calculate Target Heart Rate (THR)**: $THR = (HRR \cdot \text{Intensity}_{\%}) + RHR$

Recommended Intensity Zones

GoalIntensity ZoneBenefit
Light Warm-up50% – 60% MHRPrepares the body for exercise.
Fat Burning60% – 70% MHROptimal for fat oxidation.
Aerobic/Cardio70% – 80% MHRImproves cardiovascular fitness.
Anaerobic (High Intensity)80% – 90% MHRBoosts speed and power.