VO2 Max Estimator (Cooper Test) Formula

Understand the math behind the vo2 max estimator (cooper test). Each variable explained with a worked example.

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Formulas Used

Estimated VO2 Max

vo2max = (distance_meters - 504.9) / 44.73

Distance in Miles

fitness_rating = distance_meters / 1609.34

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
distance_metersDistance Covered in 12 min(meters)2400

How It Works

Cooper Test VO2 Max Formula

VO2 Max = (Distance in meters - 504.9) / 44.73

The Cooper test involves running as far as possible in 12 minutes. It was developed by Dr. Kenneth Cooper in 1968 for the US military.

VO2 Max Fitness Levels (Male, age 20-29)

| Category | VO2 Max | |---|---| | Excellent | >51 | | Good | 43-51 | | Average | 36-42 | | Below Average | <36 |

Worked Example

A person who covers 2,400 meters in 12 minutes.

distance_meters = 2400
  1. 01VO2 Max = (2400 - 504.9) / 44.73
  2. 02= 1895.1 / 44.73
  3. 03= 42.4 mL/kg/min (Average fitness)

Ready to run the numbers?

Open VO2 Max Estimator (Cooper Test)