Heart Rate Zone Calculator

Calculate your target heart rate zones for optimal training.

Heart Rate Zone Calculator

Max Heart Rate
190 bpm
Heart Rate Reserve
125 bpm
ZoneBPM RangeDescription
Zone 1 — Recovery128140Very light effort, warm-up/cool-down
Zone 2 — Fat Burn140153Light effort, builds endurance, burns fat
Zone 3 — Aerobic153165Moderate effort, improves cardiovascular fitness
Zone 4 — Anaerobic165178Hard effort, increases speed and power
Zone 5 — Maximum178190Maximum effort, short bursts only

Training with Heart Rate Zones

Heart rate zones help you exercise at the right intensity for your goals. This calculator uses the Karvonen method (Heart Rate Reserve), which is more personalized than simple percentage-of-max calculations because it accounts for your resting heart rate and fitness level.

Choosing the Right Zone

  • Weight Loss: Spend most time in Zones 2-3 for sustainable fat burning.
  • Endurance: Train primarily in Zone 2 for building aerobic base.
  • Performance: Include interval training in Zones 4-5 for speed and power.
  • Recovery: Use Zone 1 for warm-ups, cool-downs, and active recovery days.

To find your resting heart rate, check your pulse first thing in the morning before getting out of bed. Count for 60 seconds or count for 15 seconds and multiply by 4.

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