Cardio
As of 2026-04-24
How Resting Heart Rate Calculator works
Methodology for the Resting Heart Rate Calculator: formulas, coefficients, data sources, assumptions, and known limitations.
Scope
Classifies resting heart rate, estimates relative cardio-fitness age, and suggests a training target to improve RHR.
Formula
Classification lookup by sex and age band. Cardio-age estimate maps RHR to the age where that RHR is the median.
Coefficients
| Parameter | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Athlete (M, 30s) | 49–55 bpm | |
| Excellent (M, 30s) | 56–61 bpm | |
| Average (M, 30s) | 66–69 bpm | |
| Poor (M, 30s) | 82+ bpm |
Data sources
- Cooper Institute fitness norms — Resting Heart Rate. — Source of the age- and sex-banded RHR percentile tables.
- Nauman J, Janszky I, Vatten LJ, Wisloff U. Temporal changes in resting heart rate and deaths from ischemic heart disease. JAMA. 2011;306(23):2579-2587. — PMID 22187277. Population-level link between RHR change and ischemic heart disease mortality.
Assumptions
- Reading is taken upon waking, before caffeine or activity.
Approximation range
Population norms carry ~4–6 bpm standard deviation within each age band.
Limitations
- Beta-blockers and other meds shift RHR independently of fitness.
- Atrial fibrillation and other arrhythmias invalidate any RHR classification.
Reproducibility
Male, 35, RHR 58: classification 'Excellent'.
Change log
- 2026-04-24: methodology page first published.
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