VO₂max is the maximum volume of oxygen your body can use per minute per kilogram of body weight (ml/kg/min). It reflects aerobic capacity and is one of the best predictors of cardiorespiratory fitness.

How accurate is the Cooper test?

Cooper's original 1968 study reported r ≈ 0.90 with treadmill VO₂max for healthy young men. Real-world precision is ±10–15% — sufficient to categorise fitness but not to replace lab measurement.

Which test should I pick?

Both are field tests with similar accuracy. The Cooper 12-min run is timed; the 1.5-mile run uses a fixed distance. Choose whichever matches your track or familiar route.

Field VO₂max tests are maximal-effort runs. If you are over 40, sedentary, or have any cardiac risk factors, get medical clearance before testing.

VO₂max Calculator

Free VO₂max calculator using Cooper's 12-minute run formula or the 1.5-mile run test. Enter your test result, age and sex to estimate maximal oxygen uptake (ml/kg/min) and an ACSM fitness category.

Estimate aerobic fitness (VO₂max) from a Cooper 12-min run or 1.5-mile run.