VO2 Max Calculator Running

Calculate your VO2 max based on your running distance and time.

meters
min
sec
Your Estimated VO2 Max

--mL/kg/min

Estimated VO2 Max

About the VO2 Max Calculator Running

Learn more about the calculator and its creator

Jonas

Jonas

I'm a software developer and year long triathlete. I spend a lot of time running. Most calculators don't tell you how they calculate the VO2 max, so I made this simple calculator that uses your running distance and time to calculate the VO2 max.

How to Calculate Your Running VO2 Max

The Running VO2 Max Calculator estimates your maximal oxygen uptake based on your recent race performance using Jack Daniels' formula, a widely respected method in the running community.

The Formula to Calculate Running VO2 Max

The calculator uses Jack Daniels' formulas:

VO2 max % = 0.8 + 0.1894393e-0.012778t + 0.2989558e-0.1932605t VO2 = -4.60 + 0.182258v + 0.000104v2 VO2 max = VO2 / VO2 max % Where: t = Race time (in minutes) v = Race velocity (in meters/minute)

Input Parameters

  • 1

    Race Distance

    Your race distance (between 1500m and 50km for accurate results)

  • 2

    Race Time

    Your finish time for the race.

Calculation Process

  • 1

    Calculate Race Velocity

    Convert race distance and time into velocity (meters/minute)

  • 2

    Calculate VO2 max %

    Apply the first formula using race time

  • 3

    Calculate VO2

    Apply the second formula using race velocity

  • 4

    Calculate Final VO2 max

    Divide VO2 by VO2 max %

Distance Requirements

  • 1

    Minimum Distance

    1500 meters (approximately 1 mile)

  • 2

    Maximum Distance

    50 kilometers

Important Notes

  • 1

    Recent Performance

    Use a recent race result for the most accurate estimation

  • 2

    Distance Limitations

    Results may be less accurate for distances outside the recommended range

  • 3

    Laboratory Testing

    For the most accurate results, consider professional laboratory testing

References

This calculator provides a reliable estimation of your VO2 max based on race performance. For the most accurate results, ensure your race distance falls within the recommended range and use a recent performance.

What is VO2 Max?

VO2 max, also known as maximal oxygen uptake, is the maximum amount of oxygen your body can utilize during intense exercise. It's measured in milliliters of oxygen per kilogram of body weight per minute (ml/kg/min) and is considered the gold standard for measuring aerobic fitness and cardiorespiratory endurance.

Why Does VO2 Max Matter?

  • 1

    Athletic Performance

    Higher VO2 max generally correlates with better endurance performance, especially in activities like running, cycling, and swimming.

  • 2

    Health Indicator

    A higher VO2 max is associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, better overall health, and increased longevity.

  • 3

    Training Guidance

    Knowing your VO2 max helps in setting appropriate training intensities and monitoring fitness progress.

  • 4

    Recovery Capacity

    Higher VO2 max values typically indicate better recovery abilities between training sessions.

VO2 Max Reference Values by Age and Gender

The following tables show typical VO2 max values (ml/kg/min) for men and women of different ages and fitness levels:

Age Poor Fair Good Excellent Superior
Men
20-29 <38 38-41 42-45 46-50 >50
30-39 <34 34-37 38-41 42-46 >46
40-49 <30 30-33 34-37 38-42 >42
50+ <25 25-28 29-32 33-37 >37
Women
20-29 <32 32-35 36-39 40-43 >43
30-39 <28 28-31 32-35 36-39 >39
40-49 <26 26-29 30-33 34-37 >37
50+ <24 24-27 28-31 32-35 >35

Note: Elite athletes typically have much higher VO2 max values than those listed above. Elite endurance athletes often have values between 70-85 ml/kg/min for men and 60-75 ml/kg/min for women.

Factors Affecting VO2 Max

  • 1

    Genetics

    Up to 50% of your VO2 max potential is determined by genetic factors.

  • 2

    Training Status

    Regular endurance training can improve VO2 max by 5-20%.

  • 3

    Age

    VO2 max typically decreases by about 10% per decade after age 30.

  • 4

    Gender

    Women typically have VO2 max values about 10-15% lower than men due to physiological differences.

Related Calculators

Explore more calculators to help with your fitness goals.

Running Pace Calculator

Our easy-to-use running pace calculator helps you estimate your pace based on your training and fitness level.

Running

5K Pace Calculator

Our easy-to-use 5K pace calculator helps you estimate your pace based on your training and fitness level.

Running

Running Time Calculator

Our easy-to-use running time calculator helps you estimate your time based on your pace and distance.

Running