♥ Biology & Medicine Tool

Target Heart Rate

Estimate a training heart-rate target using age, resting rate and intensity. This page combines the live calculator with the underlying formula or method, a worked example and practical study notes.

Study Tools / Biology & Medicine / Target Heart Rate
Clinical note: Target heart-rate formulas are estimates and depend on the selected maximum-heart-rate relationship and intensity model. They are not a substitute for individualized exercise assessment.
Clinical calculator
Calculate Target Heart Rate

What Is the Target Heart Rate?

Estimate a training heart-rate target using age, resting rate and intensity. The calculator is paired with the governing relationship so the numerical output stays connected to the concept you are studying.

Use this page to check worked examples, compare different inputs, and keep the meaning of each variable visible while practising.

Formula or Method

Formula / method
Karvonen target = HRrest + intensity×(HRmax−HRrest)

Estimate maximum heart rate using the calculator’s chosen relationship, then apply the selected training intensity to heart-rate reserve. Keep units and conventions consistent with the problem statement and with the options shown in the calculator.

How to Use the Calculator

  1. Read the input labels and enter the values requested by the problem or exercise.
  2. Check units, signs, angle mode, population/sample options, or other settings before calculating.
  3. Compare the result with the displayed formula or method and the worked example below.

Worked Example

Example: At age 20, HRrest=60 and intensity=70%, using HRmax=200 gives a target of 158 bpm.

Common Mistakes

Why It Matters for Students

The Target Heart Rate is useful when a physiology or molecular/quantitative relationship needs a fast numerical check. Keep the input definitions and units visible while studying so the calculation remains tied to the underlying concept.

Target heart-rate formulas are estimates and depend on the selected maximum-heart-rate relationship and intensity model. They are not a substitute for individualized exercise assessment.

Related NexaMed Study Tools

These pages are part of the same Study Tools system. For the complete collection, open the 2,420-tool NexaMed Study Tools hub.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the target heart rate used for?
The Target Heart Rate applies the relationship shown on this page to the inputs you provide. It is intended as a practical study and reference tool. The page is designed for educational/reference use and shows the assumptions behind the calculation.
What formula does the target heart rate use?
Estimate maximum heart rate using the calculator’s chosen relationship, then apply the selected training intensity to heart-rate reserve.
How do I use the target heart rate?
Enter the requested values, check the units or options, and calculate. Then compare the result with the formula, worked example and notes on the page. The page is designed for educational/reference use and shows the assumptions behind the calculation.
Calculation source: This page uses the NexaMed Prep Study Tools engine and the same tool definition used by the main interactive hub. Formula descriptions are presented for educational reference; follow the conventions, units and assumptions required by your course, textbook or examination.