VO2 max is the maximum rate at which your body can use oxygen during exercise. It is measured in ml of oxygen per kg of body weight per minute (ml/kg/min) and is a key indicator of aerobic fitness.

What is a good VO2 max for cycling?

Average adult: 35-45 ml/kg/min. Recreational cyclist: 45-55. Club racer: 55-65. Cat 1/2: 65-72. Professional: 70-85+. The highest recorded VO2 max for a cyclist was 97.5 ml/kg/min.

How accurate is this estimate?

The Storer formula provides a reasonable estimate (+/- 5-10%) but is not as accurate as a lab test with gas analysis. It works best for trained cyclists.

Can I improve my VO2 max?

Yes, VO2 max is highly trainable. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) and VO2max intervals (Zone 5, 3-8 min efforts) are the most effective methods. Improvements of 10-20% are common for untrained individuals.

BikeCalcs

VO2 Max Calculator — Estimate from Cycling Power

Estimate your VO2 max from maximum power output on a bike.

Maximum Power Output

5-min max power or ramp test peak

Body Weight

How We Calculate This

VO2 Max Estimation

This calculator uses the Storer et al. formula for cycle ergometry:

VO2max (ml/kg/min) = (10.8 x Max Power / Body Weight) + 7

Max Power should be the highest power you can sustain for approximately 5 minutes (or the peak power from a ramp test). This formula was validated against direct gas exchange measurement in trained cyclists.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: 2025-02-20

All calculations are estimates. Always verify results and consult a professional bike fitter where appropriate.