VO₂max is the greatest amount of oxygen your body can use during intense exercise. It is usually reported in ml/kg/min and is a key marker of cardiorespiratory fitness.
How is it measured?
The direct method is a graded laboratory exercise test with respiratory gas analysis. Field tests, wearables and non-exercise equations provide estimates.
How should you read it?
VO₂max varies with age, sex, genetics and training history. Your own long-term trend is usually the most useful comparison.
For a better estimate
- 1Measure resting heart rate on a calm morning.
- 2Use current age, height, weight and activity information.
- 3Repeat the same method to follow the trend.
Limitations
A non-exercise VO₂max equation may differ from an individual laboratory measurement and is not diagnostic.
Sources and update
2026-09-23
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