Max Heart Rate Formulas Compared: Fox vs. Tanaka vs. Gulati
The classic Fox formula is 220 - age; the Tanaka formula (208 - 0.7 x age) is generally considered more accurate; the Gulati formula (206 - 0.88 x age) is specific to women. At age 30 these give 190, 187, and about 180 bpm.
Open the interactive Everyday Lifestyle tool →Formula: Fox = 220 - age; Tanaka = 208 - 0.7 x age; Gulati (women) = 206 - 0.88 x age
Key facts
| Formula | Fox = 220 - age; Tanaka = 208 - 0.7 x age; Gulati (women) = 206 - 0.88 x age |
|---|---|
| Age 30, Fox | 190 bpm |
| Age 30, Tanaka | 187 bpm |
| Age 30, Gulati (women) | ~180 bpm |
| Age 45, Fox vs Tanaka | 175 vs 176.5 bpm |
Frequently asked questions
Which max heart rate formula should I use?
Tanaka (208 - 0.7 x age) is generally considered more accurate across a broad age range than the older Fox formula (220 - age); Gulati (206 - 0.88 x age) was developed specifically from data on women.
How much do the formulas disagree?
At age 30 the gap between Fox and Tanaka is about 3 bpm (190 vs 187); at age 45 it narrows to about 1.5 bpm (175 vs 176.5).
Are any of these formulas exact for an individual?
No. All are population averages with a typical error margin of about 10-12 bpm; a supervised exercise test gives a more individual result.
Related pages
The calculations on this page are estimates based on common general-purpose formulas. They are not medical advice -- consult a doctor or other qualified professional for decisions about your health.
Max Heart Rate Formula Comparison is part of Everyday Lifestyle on GOAT Lab — a free reference you can use without signing up, and it works offline. Open the tool above for any custom value.
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