How is the percentile calculated?

The tool compares your VO2 max to the age- and sex-matched Cooper Institute percentile breakpoints (5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, 95th) and linearly interpolates between them. A value below the 5th breakpoint returns <5; above the 95th returns up to 99.

What VO2 max is above average for my age?

Any value at or above the 50th-percentile column for your age/sex bracket is at least average; 60th and above is "Good" in ACSM categories. See the full chart at /chart/ for every bracket.

Does this work if I don't know my exact VO2 max?

If you only have a wearable estimate, use that value — but note wearable VO2 max can vary ±5 ml/kg/min from lab tests. For a more accurate number, take any of the 17 validated field tests on the homepage.

VO2 Max Percentile Calculator

Q: What VO2 max is above average for my age?

Any value at or above the 50th-percentile column for your age/sex bracket is at least average; 60th and above is "Good" in ACSM categories. See the full chart at /chart/ for every bracket.

Q: Does this work if I don't know my exact VO2 max?

If you only have a wearable estimate, use that value — but note wearable VO2 max can vary ±5 ml/kg/min from lab tests. For a more accurate number, take any of the 17 validated field tests on the homepage.

Enter your VO2 max, age, and sex below. The tool returns your exact percentile rank and ACSM fitness category, interpolated from the Cooper Institute percentile breakpoints.

Don't know your VO2 max yet? Use the main calculator to estimate it from a field test.

How the percentile is computed

The Cooper Institute norms give seven reference points per age-and-sex bracket: the 5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, and 95th percentiles. To find your percentile, the tool:

Selects your age bracket (20–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, 70–79).
Selects your sex (male or female).
Finds the two breakpoint percentiles your VO2 max falls between, then linearly interpolates.
Returns a percentile from <5 to 99 and the corresponding fitness category.

Linear interpolation between percentile breakpoints is the standard approach used in population-health statistics. Within a narrow band of ±5 ml/kg/min it is accurate to within 2–3 percentile points compared to the full underlying distribution.

Frequently asked questions

How is the percentile calculated?: The tool compares your VO2 max to the age- and sex-matched Cooper Institute percentile breakpoints (5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, 95th) and linearly interpolates between them. A value below the 5th breakpoint returns <5; above the 95th returns up to 99.
What VO2 max is above average for my age?: Any value at or above the 50th-percentile column for your age/sex bracket is at least average; 60th and above is "Good" in ACSM categories. See the full chart at /chart/ for every bracket.
Does this work if I don't know my exact VO2 max?: If you only have a wearable estimate, use that value — but note wearable VO2 max can vary ±5 ml/kg/min from lab tests. For a more accurate number, take any of the 17 validated field tests on the homepage.