Beep Test VO2max Calculator
The 20-metre multi-stage fitness test (beep test) is one of the most widely used field tests of aerobic fitness in schools, sport organisations, and military agencies worldwide. Participants run between two cones 20 metres apart, timing their shuttles to match progressively faster audio beeps. The test ends when the participant can no longer keep up with the beep pace. The last completed level and shuttle are recorded and used in the Leger equation to estimate VO2max - the maximum rate of oxygen consumption, which is the gold standard measure of cardiorespiratory fitness. Enter your age, the last level you completed, and the last shuttle number at that level to get your estimated VO2max and a fitness rating.
Leger VO2max formula
Speed (km/h) = 8.5 + 0.5 x (Level - 1)
VO2max = 31.025 + 3.238 x Speed - 3.248 x Age + 0.1536 x (Speed x Age)
Source: Leger LA et al. (1988). The multistage 20 metre shuttle run test for aerobic fitness. Journal of Sports Sciences, 6(2), 93-101.
VO2max fitness categories (males)
- Below 35: Poor
- 35 to 42: Fair
- 42 to 50: Good
- 50 to 60: Excellent
- Above 60: Superior
Frequently asked questions
What is the beep test?
The beep test (also called the 20m multi-stage fitness test or Pacer test) is a progressive aerobic capacity test where participants run back and forth between two lines 20 metres apart in time with audio beeps. The interval between beeps decreases each level, increasing running speed.
How is VO2max estimated from the beep test?
The Leger equation (1988) estimates VO2max from the final completed level and shuttle: VO2max = 31.025 + 3.238 x Speed - 3.248 x Age + 0.1536 x (Speed x Age). Maximal aerobic speed (MAS) at the last completed shuttle is calculated first.
What is a good beep test score?
For adult males, Level 13 and above is considered excellent; Level 9 to 12 is good. For adult females, Level 10 and above is excellent; Level 7 to 9 is good. Elite endurance athletes often reach Level 15 to 17.
Is the beep test accurate for VO2max?
The beep test is a valid field test for estimating VO2max, with correlations of 0.71 to 0.90 against laboratory treadmill tests in research studies. It is widely used in military, sport, and education because it requires minimal equipment and can test large groups simultaneously.
What are the speeds at each beep test level?
Level 1 starts at 8.5 km/h and increases by 0.5 km/h each subsequent level. Level 1 = 8.5 km/h, Level 2 = 9.0 km/h, Level 3 = 9.5 km/h, and so on. The number of shuttles per level also increases. The official protocol uses a 20-metre distance.
Official sources
- American College of Sports Medicine: ACSM Cardiorespiratory Fitness Guidelines.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: CDC Physical Activity Basics.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 14 June 2026. See our methodology.