VO2 Max Calculator – Aerobic Capacity
Enter the distance you covered during a 12-minute run test to estimate your VO2 max, a standard measure of aerobic fitness.
What Is VO2 Max?
VO2 max is the maximum rate at which your body can consume oxygen during intense exercise, measured in milliliters of oxygen per kilogram of body weight per minute. It’s widely used as an indicator of aerobic (cardiovascular) fitness.
The Cooper Test Formula
This calculator uses the Cooper 12-minute run test, a well-established field test developed for estimating aerobic capacity without lab equipment. The formula is VO2 max = (distance in meters minus 504.9) ÷ 44.73, based on how far you can run or walk in exactly 12 minutes.
Accuracy and Limitations
Field tests like this one are less precise than laboratory gas-analysis testing but are convenient and reasonably reliable for tracking fitness changes over time. Results can be affected by pacing strategy, terrain, and motivation, so use this as a general educational estimate rather than a clinical measurement.