Age:

Note: This tool should not be used for people under age 20 years. Because of their smaller size, children’s heart rates are different than adults.


How to Use

During exercise, you want to increase your heart rate to strengthen your heart without over stressing it. According to the American Heart Association, you should keep your heart rate between 50% to 85% of your maximum heart rate. To get your maximum heart rate, subtract your age from 220.

Use our Target Heart Rate Calculator to find the safe heart rate for people your age during exercise. If you're just starting an exercise program, aim for the low end of this range. If you’ve been exercising for a while, you can aim for a higher target rate.

  • Enter your age in the space provided.
  • Click Submit/Calculate.
More About This Tool

You're sweating through another workout. You may be wondering if you're overdoing it or not working hard enough. Pacing yourself can help you get the most from exercise. What's the right pace for you?

One way to find the right pace is to track how fast your heart pumps during your workout. According to the American Heart Association, the best type of exercise keeps your heart pumping between 50% to 85% of your maximum heart rate. Get your maximum heart rate by subtracting your age from 220. Use the calculator above to find your target heart rate range.


Review Date: 09/14/23
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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