Cycling VO2 Max Calculator | Estimate VO2 Max from Power
Calculate your cycling VO2 max from power output. Estimate your maximal oxygen uptake using your 5-minute power and body weight. Compare your aerobic capacity to age-based norms.
0.00mL/kg/min
Estimated VO2 Max
This is an estimate. For lab accuracy, use a graded exercise test with gas analysis.
Want to improve your cycling VO2 Max? Check out our 4 Best Cycling VO2 Max Workouts
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About the Cycling VO2 Max Calculator
Learn more about the calculator and its creator
Jonas
I'm a software developer and bike enthusiast from Germany with over 10 years of cycling experience. I created this VO2 max calculator to help cyclists find their vo2 max based on known power and weight inputs.
How the Cycling VO2 Max Calculator Works
This calculator estimates your VO2 max using a research-based formula that converts your maximal 5-minute power output into oxygen uptake capacity.
The Formula
Inputs
- 5-Minute Power: Your maximum average power output sustained over a 5-minute all-out effort (watts).
- Weight: Your body weight in kilograms.
This method assumes a strong relationship between maximal 5-minute power and VO2 max for trained cyclists. It tends to be most accurate when the 5-minute power test is performed all-out in a fresh, rested state.
Limitations
- This is a field estimate, not a laboratory measurement
- Most accurate for trained cyclists; less reliable for beginners
- Results are affected by pacing strategy and motivation during the 5-minute test
- Does not directly factor in age, sex, or altitude
- Assumes proper warm-up and fresh legs for the test effort
Next Steps with Your VO2 Max
Dive deeper into VO2 max for cycling with our comprehensive guides and resources.
Cycling VO2 Max Guide
Learn what VO2 max means for cyclists and how it relates to performance
VO2 Max Chart by Age & Sex
See where your VO2 max sits compared to other cyclists
How to Test Your VO2 Max
Follow a proper 5-minute VO2 max test protocol
VO2 Max vs FTP
Understand how these two metrics relate to your cycling performance
Best VO2 Max Workouts
Structured interval sessions to improve your aerobic capacity
8-Week VO2 Max Training Plan
A complete training block to boost your VO2 max
VO2 Max Training on Zwift
Indoor training strategies for improving VO2 max
VO2 Max Physiology
The science behind oxygen uptake and cycling performance
Garmin vs Lab VO2 Max
Why your watch shows different numbers than this calculator
Using VO2 Max for Race Planning
Apply your VO2 max to training zones and pacing
VO2 Max and Body Weight
How weight loss affects your VO2 max number
How Often to Train VO2 Max
Optimal frequency and when to stop VO2 max work
Related Calculators
VO2 Max for Other Sports
Also a runner or looking for a general fitness assessment? Try our sport-specific VO2 max calculators.
Frequently Asked Questions
For male cyclists: 40-50 is recreational, 50-60 is enthusiast, 60-70 is competitive amateur, and 70+ is professional level. Female cyclists typically measure 10-15% lower at similar training levels. VO2 max is measured in mL/kg/min.
Cycling VO2 max is estimated using the formula: VO2 max = (5-Minute Power × 10.8) / Weight + 7. Enter your maximum 5-minute power output and body weight into our calculator to get your estimated VO2 max.
VO2 max represents your aerobic ceiling (maximum oxygen uptake), while FTP represents sustainable power for about one hour. FTP typically falls between 70-85% of your VO2 max power. VO2 max sets your potential; FTP shows how much of that potential you can sustain.
Yes, cycling is excellent for improving VO2 max. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) at 90-100% of maximum heart rate is most effective. Most cyclists can improve VO2 max by 10-20% with structured training, though genetic factors set your ultimate ceiling.
What is a good VO2 max for cycling?
How do you calculate cycling VO2 max from power?
What is the difference between VO2 max and FTP?
Can cycling improve VO2 max?
The Science Behind This Calculator
Learn about the researchers whose work powers this tool
Dr. Andrew Coggan
External link to Dr. Andrew CogganPioneer of power-based cycling training who created the Coggan Power Zones (7-zone model) and architected Functional Threshold Power (FTP) as the anchor for power-based training intensity. Played a central role in developing TrainingPeaks' WKO metrics (TSS®, IF®, NP®).
Key Achievements
- •Creator of the Coggan Power Zones (7-zone model)
- •Architect of Functional Threshold Power (FTP)
- •Developed NP®, IF®, TSS® metrics for cycling load management
+2 more achievements
Helpful Guides
Learn more with these related articles and guides
Related Calculators
Other helpful calculators for Cycling
Cycling Watts Per Kilo (w/kg) Calculator
Calculate your watts per Kg based on your Functional Threshold Power (FTP) and weight.
FTP Calculator | Cycling Functional Threshold Power
Free FTP calculator for cyclists. Calculate your Functional Threshold Power (FTP) using test results, get your W/kg power-to-weight ratio, and determine personalized cycling power zones.
5-Minute FTP Test Calculator | Quick Short FTP Test
Calculate your FTP from a 5-minute power test. The shortest FTP test protocol - ideal for time-crunched cyclists. Get instant FTP estimation and training zones from your 5 min max effort.
Cycling TSS Calculator
Calculate your TSS (Training Stress Score) based on your power output and duration.