Estimate maximum heart rate (MHR) with the Mellerowicz formula, which switches its base constant depending on whether the subject is a minor or an adult.
Formula
- Age ≤ 18: MHR = 180 − age
- Age > 18: MHR = 170 − age
Output is in beats per minute. A 16-year-old receives 164 bpm, while a 30-year-old receives 140 bpm — a steeper adult curve than Cooper’s rule produces at the same ages.
Background
Polish sports-medicine literature referenced by Mellerowicz emphasized different cardiovascular ceilings for adolescents versus fully matured athletes. The two-segment model reflects that developmental difference with a simple breakpoint at 18 years.
When to use it
Appropriate for school sports programs, youth-club warm-up planning, or comparing adolescent versus adult MHR estimates side by side with other formulas on this site.
Limitations
A hard cutoff at 18 oversimplifies maturation timing. The formula is unisex and does not adjust for puberty stage, body size, or medication. Published validation data in English-language journals is limited compared with Tanaka or Ball State.
Health disclaimer
Children and teenagers should participate in graded exercise under qualified supervision. Parents and coaches should seek pediatric medical advice before maximal testing. This calculator is educational and not a clinical assessment.