Target Heart Rate Calculator
Persons' Details
Calculated Target Heart Rates
Very Light | <19% | {{tHrrValue(0.19)}} | <34% | {{tHrmaxValue(0.34)}} | <10 |
Light | 20% - 39% | {{tHrrValue(0.2)}} - {{tHrrValue(0.39)}} | 35% - 54% | {{tHrmaxValue(0.35)}} - {{tHrmaxValue(0.54)}} | 10 - 11 |
Moderate | 40% - 59% | {{tHrrValue(0.4)}} - {{tHrrValue(0.59)}} | 55% - 69% | {{tHrmaxValue(0.55)}} - {{tHrmaxValue(0.69)}} | 12 - 13 |
Hard | 60% - 84% | {{tHrrValue(0.6)}} - {{tHrrValue(0.84)}} | 70% - 89% | {{tHrmaxValue(0.7)}} - {{tHrmaxValue(0.89)}} | 14 - 16 |
Very Hard | 85% - 100% | {{tHrrValue(0.85)}} - {{tHrrValue(1)}} | 90% - 100% | {{tHrmaxValue(0.9)}} - {{tHrmaxValue(1)}} | 17 - 19 |
References
What should your heart rate be when working out, and how can you keep track of it? Our simple chart will help keep you in the target training zone, whether you want to lose weight or just maximize your workout. Find out what normal resting and maximum heart rates are for your age and how exercise intensity and other factors affect heart rate.
How do I get my heart rate in the target zone?
When you work out, are you doing too much or not enough? There’s a simple way to know: Your target heart rate helps you hit the bullseye so you can get max benefit from every step, swing and squat. Even if you’re not a gym rat or elite athlete, knowing your heart rate (or pulse) can help you track your health and fitness level.
What is a resting heart rate?
Your resting heart rate is the number of times your heart beats per minute when you’re at rest. A good time to check it is in the morning after you’ve had a good night’s sleep, before you get out of bed or grab that first cup of java!
Is resting heart rate different by age?
For most of us (adults), between 60 and 100 beats per minute (bpm) is normal.1 The rate can be affected by factors like stress, anxiety, hormones, medication, and how physically active you are. An athlete or more active person may have a resting heart rate as low as 40 beats per minute. Now that’s chill!
When it comes to resting heart rate, lower is better. It usually means your heart muscle is in better condition and doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain a steady beat. Studies have found that a higher resting heart rate is linked with lower physical fitness and higher blood pressure and body weight.2
Know Your Numbers: Maximum and Target Heart Rate by Age
This table shows target heart rate zones for different ages. Your maximum heart rate is about 220 minus your age.3
In the age category closest to yours, read across to find your target heart rates. Target heart rate during moderate intensity activities is about 50-70% of maximum heart rate, while during vigorous physical activity it’s about 70-85% of maximum.
The figures are averages, so use them as a general guide.
100-170 beats per minute (bpm) | 200 bpm |
95-162 bpm | 190 bpm |
93-157 bpm | 185 bpm |
90-153 bpm | 180 bpm |
88-149 bpm | 175 bpm |
85-145 bpm | 170 bpm |
83-140 bpm | 165 bpm |
80-136 bpm | 160 bpm |
78-132 bpm | 155 bpm |
75-128 bpm | 150 bpm |
Now that you have a target, you can monitor your heart rate to make sure you’re in the zone. As you exercise, periodically check your heart rate. A wearable activity tracker makes it super easy, but if you don’t use one you can also find it manually:
- Take your pulse on the inside of your wrist, on the thumb side.
- Use the tips of your first two fingers (not your thumb) and press lightly over the artery.
- Count your pulse for 30 seconds and multiply by 2 to find your beats per minute.
Important Note: Some drugs and medications affect heart rate, meaning you may have a lower maximum heart rate and target zone. If you have a heart condition or take medication, ask your healthcare provider what your heart rate should be.
What if my heart rate is too high or too low?
If your heart rate is too high, you’re straining. Slow your roll! If your heart rate is too low, and the intensity feels “light” to “moderate,” you may want to push yourself to exercise a little harder, especially if you’re trying to lose weight.
If you’re just starting out, aim for the lower range of your target zone (50 percent) and gradually build up. In time, you’ll be able to exercise comfortably at up to 85 percent of your maximum heart rate. Woo hoo!
Sources:
1 All About Heart Rate (Pulse), American Heart Association website
2 Elevated resting heart rate, physical fitness and all-cause mortality, Epidemiology, 2013 //heart.bmj.com/content/99/12/882.full?sid=90e3623c-1250-4b94-928c-0a8f95c5b36b
3 Target Heart Rate and Estimated Maximum Heart Rate, Centers for Disease Control website //www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/measuring/heartrate.htm
Home / Your Visit / Patient Education / Your Pulse and Target Heart Rate
Your heart is a muscle that pumps blood throughout your body. Your pulse is your heart rate, or the number of times your heart beats in one minute. This varies from person to person, and it might also vary throughout the day. Your pulse is lower when you are at rest, and it increases when you exercise.
_____________ x 4 = _____________
(number of beats in 15 seconds) (your pulse/resting heart rate)
What is a Typical Pulse?
Age Group | Normal Heart Rate at Rest |
Children (ages 3-4 years) | 70 - 100 beats per minute |
Children (ages 5-7 years) | 65 - 100 beats per minute |
Children (ages 8-15 years) | 60 - 100 beats per minute |
Adults (ages 16-18+ years) | 60 - 100 beats per minute |
You gain the most benefits and lessen the risks when you exercise in your target heart rate zone. The Karvonen formula is used to calculate your target heart rate. The return to activity protocol has specific target heart rate zones for each stage that must be monitored and followed.
Your health care provider will determine your return to activity target heart rates depending on your age and resting heart rate.
Patient name: |
My resting heart rate is: |
My target heart rates for my return to activity protocol: Stage I (HR 30-40%) = |
State II (HR 40-60%) = |
Stage III (HR 60-80%) = |
Stage IV (HR 80-90%) = |
This information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace the advice of your health care providers. If you have any questions, talk with your doctor or others on your health care team. If you are a Gillette patient with urgent questions or concerns, please contact Telehealth Nursing at 651-229-3890.