VO2 Max Percentile Calculator

Where to find your VO2 Max

Many modern wearable devices now estimate VO2 Max continuously. Apple Watch displays it in the Health app under Cardio Fitness. Garmin watches show it in Garmin Connect under Performance Stats. Whoop provides a cardiovascular fitness assessment in the app. If you have had a clinical cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) or metabolic cart analysis, the result from that lab test will be the most accurate value to enter.

Understanding your VO2 Max percentile

This calculator uses ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) normative data to rank your VO2 Max against others of the same age and gender. Your percentile tells you what percentage of the reference population you score above. For example, a 65th percentile means your VO2 Max is higher than 65 percent of people in your age and gender group.

The classifications range from Poor (below the 20th percentile) through Fair, Good, Excellent, and Superior, up to Athlete level (above the 95th percentile). Each classification is associated with different health outcomes: research consistently shows that higher cardiorespiratory fitness is one of the strongest predictors of longevity and reduced disease risk.

What is fitness age?

Fitness age is the age at which your VO2 Max would be considered average (50th percentile). If your fitness age is lower than your actual age, it means your cardiovascular fitness is better than average for your age. A 45-year-old with a fitness age of 32, for example, has the aerobic capacity typical of a 32-year-old. Research from the HUNT study in Norway has shown that fitness age is a better predictor of mortality than chronological age.

Estimate your VO2 Max with a test

If you do not have a known VO2 Max value, try the simple estimation method (resting heart rate only), the Rockport Walk Test (walk 1 mile), or the Cooper 12-Minute Run Test for a more exercise-based estimate.