Resting Heart Rate (RHR) Calculator
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Measure Your RHR with Accuracy
The Polar H10 chest strap offers precise ANT+ and Bluetooth heart-rate tracking—ideal for tracking your true resting heart rate and making informed health decisions.
Shop Polar H10About the Resting Heart Rate (RHR) Calculator
Use this Resting Heart Rate Calculator to check whether your RHR falls into a typical range and to get an educational VO₂max estimate from heart rate. A lower resting pulse often reflects better cardiorespiratory fitness; persistent elevation can signal stress, poor sleep, dehydration, illness, or medication effects.
- RHR bands (general): <50 = very low (athletic context); 50–59 = low/fit; 60–80 = common adult range; 81–100 = elevated; >100 = high (discuss if persistent).
- VO₂max (educational): HRmax≈220 − age; VO₂max≈15 × (HRmax/RHR).
- Improve RHR: consistent sleep, aerobic training, hydration, stress management, and moderation with alcohol/nicotine.
FAQ
- What is a normal resting heart rate?
Roughly 60–80 bpm for many adults; athletes can be lower. Consistently >100 bpm warrants clinical context. - When should I measure RHR?
In the morning after waking, before caffeine or activity, and when well rested. - What lowers RHR over time?
Aerobic fitness, quality sleep, stress reduction, and hydration. - How is VO₂max estimated?
VO₂max≈15×(HRmax/RHR) using age-predicted HRmax (220 − age). Educational only.
Disclaimer
This tool is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and does not diagnose any condition. Discuss concerns and persistent abnormalities with a qualified clinician.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — Measuring Heart Rate
- Uth, N. et al. Estimation of VO₂max from the ratio between HRmax and HRrest — European Journal of Applied Physiology (2004)
- Fox K. et al. Resting Heart Rate in Cardiovascular Disease — Circulation (2007)
- Zhang D. et al. Resting Heart Rate and All-Cause Mortality — Journal of the American Heart Association (2016)
- Harvard Health — What your resting heart rate says about your fitness
- World Health Organization — Physical Activity Fact Sheet (Updated 2024)
- Cooney MT. et al. Elevated resting heart rate and mortality: meta-analysis of cohort studies — European Heart Journal (2010)
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) — Heart Rate and Cardiovascular Health