The Formula to Measure Peak Pulse During Exercise for Men

If you train according to your heart rate it's essential to know your maximum pulse. This is because heart rate training zones are all based on your maximum heart rate, which varies from person to person. Men have more than one option for estimating their maximum pulse. Use one of the available formulas to get an estimate of your own maximum pulse.

  1. Traditional Formula

    • The traditional formula used by men to calculate maximum heart rate is 220 minus your age. For example, if you are 30 years old you would subtract 30 from 220 to give you a maximum heart rate of 190 beats per minute. Some researchers have questioned the accuracy of this formula, but it is still widely used and recommend by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

    Jackson Formula

    • A 2007 study by A.S. Jackson, published in "Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise" offered an alternative formula which the researcher claims is more accurate. Jackson's formula is 206.9 - (0.67 x age). If you are 30, for example, you would multiply 30 by 0.67 and subtract the product from 206.9. This would give you a slightly lower maximum pulse of 187 beats per minute.

    Whyte's Formula

    • Yet another formula was proposed in a study lead by Greg Whyte of the Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Science at Liverpool John Moores University in the United Kingdom. Whyte's formula for men is 202 - (0.55 x age). So if you're 30 years old, in this case you would multiply 30 by 0.55 and subtract the product from 202 to get a maximum heart rate of 186.

    Caution

    • The various formulas used to calculate maximum pulse for men vary slightly. This is because these formulas are rough estimators, not direct measures of your maximum heart rate. Your actual maximum pulse may vary considerably from these figures. Talk to your doctor to get a more accurate estimate of your maximum pulse. Your doctor may order a stress test which will directly measure your maximum heart rate.