VO₂Max reference values by age

Table 1 shows estimated averages compiled from studies of Japanese people. Table 2 shows cardiorespiratory fitness reference values revised in 2023 by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW). These reference values indicate levels expected to reduce the risk of developing lifestyle-related and other diseases and dying from them.

To compare your own value, use the age-based comparison tool.

Averages describe a population

These are estimated averages for an age group, compiled from studies. They are not personal targets.

Reference values are official guidance

These are MHLW's reference levels for cardiorespiratory fitness. They have a different meaning from averages.

Neither should be used to diagnose an individual or decide whether exercise is safe for them.

Find context for your age group

Estimated averages by age in Japan

Unit: mL/kg/min

10–19
Men51.2
Women43.2
20–29
Men43.2
Women33.6
30–39
Men37.2
Women30.6
40–49
Men34.5
Women27.4
50–59
Men31.7
Women25.6
60–69
Men28.6
Women23.4
70–79
Men26.3
Women23.1

These estimated averages for the Japanese population combine multiple studies. They do not show how the same people change with age and are not individual targets. Age groups are in years.Source: Japan’s MHLW, 2023, Table 1 (Japanese). The same values appear in Table 1 below.

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Table 1. Estimated averages for the Japanese population (mL/kg/min)

Age (years)	Male	Female
10–19	51.2	43.2
20–29	43.2	33.6
30–39	37.2	30.6
40–49	34.5	27.4
50–59	31.7	25.6
60–69	28.6	23.4
70–79	26.3	23.1

These estimates combine values for a total of 54,611 men and 24,100 women from 23 papers, as reported by MHLW (2023). The underlying review used data obtained between 1977 and 2013, rather than a current nationally representative survey. Participant selection and differences in study methods may also influence the estimates (Akiyama et al., 2023).

Table 2. Japanese cardiorespiratory fitness reference values (2023 revision)

Age (years)	Male		Female
Age (years)	METs	mL/kg/min	METs	mL/kg/min
10–19(provisional)	14.5	50.8	12.0	42.0
20–29	12.5	43.8	9.5	33.3
30–39	11.0	38.5	8.5	29.8
40–49	10.0	35.0	7.5	26.3
50–59	9.0	31.5	7.0	24.5
60–69	8.0	28.0	6.5	22.8
70–79	7.5	26.3	6.0	21.0

MET values are reproduced from MHLW's table. This site calculated the mL/kg/min columns by multiplying METs by 3.5, as specified in the MHLW note, and rounding to one decimal place.
The reference level is considered met if a person can sustain exercise or daily activity at the listed MET intensity for about three minutes.
Values for ages 10–19 are provisional because their relationship with mortality and disease is unclear.
No reference values are provided for people aged 80 or older.

How to read the tables

According to MHLW, approximately half of Japanese men in their sixties and women in their forties can sustain an 8-MET activity, such as carrying heavy loads, for at least three minutes.

The 2013 reference values did not fit the observed population: they were too low for men in their twenties and too high for both sexes aged 50 and older. New age-specific reference values were therefore introduced in 2023. This site uses only the revised values.

Sources

Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare: Physical Activity and Exercise Guide for Health Promotion 2023, INFORMATION 6, Cardiorespiratory fitness (peak oxygen uptake). (in Japanese; title translated) https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/001195874.pdf
Akiyama H, Watanabe D, Miyachi M. Estimated standard values of aerobic capacity according to sex and age in a Japanese population: A scoping review. PLoS One. 2023;18(9):e0286936. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0286936

No specialist review; sources providedContent last checked: October 25, 2026Editorial policy