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Heart Rate Reserve Calculator

Calculate heart rate reserve.

Heart Rate Reserve measurements

Enter your values, then calculate.

Result

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How to calculate heart rate reserve

Heart rate reserve is the difference between your maximum and resting heart rate — used as the basis for the Karvonen method of calculating training zones.

How the calculation works

Heart rate reserve = Maximum heart rate − Resting heart rate.

Example

185 bpm max, 62 bpm resting: 185−62 = 123 bpm reserve.

Frequently asked questions

How is Result calculated?

Result = [Maximum heart rate] − [Resting heart rate].

Is the Heart Rate Reserve Calculator free to use?

Yes — every calculator on Simple Calculator Tools is free, runs in your browser, and does not require an account.

Quick Insight

Heart Rate Reserve Calculator

Heart rate reserve = Maximum heart rate − Resting heart rate.

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Your personalized explanation

Calculate a result above and this guide will help you interpret it using this calculator's own formula and explanation.

Pro Tips for Heart Rate Reserve

  1. A commonly cited estimate for maximum heart rate is 220 minus age, though actual individual maximum can vary from this estimate.
  2. Measure resting heart rate first thing in the morning before getting out of bed, for the most consistent reading.

Common Heart Rate Reserve Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using an age-estimated maximum heart rate as if it were a precisely measured individual value, when actual maximum heart rate varies between people.

When to Use This Calculator

Heart rate reserve is the difference between your maximum and resting heart rate — used as the basis for the Karvonen method of calculating training zones.

Content reviewed: August 2026 · Robert Threadgill
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