How this calculator works
Peak heart rate is recorded at the end of a hard effort, then again after one and two minutes of rest. The recovery value is the peak rate minus the later rate. The Cole et al. study of adults undergoing exercise testing found that a fall of 12 beats per minute or less in the first minute was associated with higher mortality, while a larger fall was associated with lower risk. The threshold describes a population association; it does not diagnose an individual.
Formula
One-minute recovery = peak heart rate - heart rate after 1 minute. Two-minute recovery = peak heart rate - heart rate after 2 minutes.
Worked example
A peak of 150 bpm falls to 120 after one minute and 100 after two. One-minute recovery is 150 - 120 = 30 bpm, well above the 12 bpm threshold. Two-minute recovery is 150 - 100 = 50 bpm.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a good heart rate recovery?
In the research literature, a first-minute fall above about 12 bpm is the common cutoff, and trained athletes often recover much faster. The exact value depends on the test protocol and the person.
Does a slow recovery mean something is wrong?
Not on its own. Fitness, age, heat, dehydration, medication and the effort level all affect recovery. A persistent low value is worth discussing with a clinician, but this page cannot diagnose a cause.
Should I cool down before measuring?
Use the same protocol each time. The original research measured recovery while the person was seated or standing quietly after the test; walking recovery changes the result.