The Firehouse S&C Treadmill Test
VO2 Max Calculator

Treadmill VO₂max Calculator




What VO₂max Measures

VO₂max (maximal oxygen uptake) is the maximum rate at which your body can use oxygen during intense exercise.
In the fire service, it directly impacts:

  • Recovery between calls and reps

  • Stamina during long-duration incidents

  • Cardiovascular resilience under load

You’ve just taken a solid step toward better conditioning
and fireground readiness.


Based on your treadmill test, your estimated VO₂max gives you a snapshot of your aerobic capacity—the foundation for endurance, recovery, and work output under pressure.

VO₂MAX STANDARDS – NO MEDICAL CONDITIONS

Applies to healthy firefighters with no disqualifying medical conditions. Based on percentile rankings of the general population (by age and sex).

Percentile Range NFPA Action
50th %ile or above Minimum standard for unrestricted clearance
35th–49th %ile Fitness program required — no restrictions
Below 35th %ile Recommend restriction from essential job tasks
and require participation in prescribed aerobic program

Source: NFPA 1580/1582 (2023 TIA 23-2), effective Dec 20, 2023.

VO₂MAX STANDARDS – WITH MEDICAL CONDITIONS

Applies to individuals with conditions listed in NFPA 1582 Tables 9.6–9.8 (e.g., cardiovascular, pulmonary, diabetes).

Age Group Male (50th %ile METs) Female (50th %ile METs) NFPA Action
20–29 13.7 10.7 Minimum for clearance
30–39 12.1 8.6 Minimum for clearance
40–49 10.8 7.6 Minimum for clearance
50–59 9.3 6.7 Minimum for clearance
60–69 8.1 5.7 Minimum for clearance

Source: NFPA 1582 (2023 TIA 23-2), Tables 9.6–9.8

Medical Conditions That Trigger the 50th Percentile Standard

Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders
Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes (especially if insulin-treated), uncontrolled diabetes, nutritional deficiencies, or disorders of the thyroid, adrenal, pituitary, or parathyroid glands.
Cardiovascular Conditions
Coronary artery disease, history of heart attack, angina, stent or bypass surgery, heart failure, arrhythmias, valve disorders, aortic aneurysm, carotid stenosis, or peripheral vascular disease.
Pulmonary / Respiratory Conditions
Asthma, tracheostomy, sleep apnea, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary embolism, sarcoidosis, chronic bronchitis, pleural effusion, or other impairments that restrict breathing or ventilation.
Musculoskeletal & Neurologic Disorders
Scoliosis > 40°, spinal fusion, history of multiple orthopedic surgeries, seizure disorders, ataxia, balance issues, stroke recovery, or neurological deficits affecting coordination or motor control.
Infectious, Tumor, or Medication-Related Risks
Active or symptomatic HIV, hepatitis, or other infectious diseases; benign or malignant tumors that affect function; use of sedatives, anticoagulants, narcotics, or history of rhabdomyolysis or heat illness.
Source: NFPA 1582 (2023 TIA 23-2), Tables 9.6 – 9.8 | Firefighter Medical Clearance Standards

VO₂max Classification by Age and Gender

(Values in ml/kg/min)

Rating Men
20–29		 Men
30–39		 Men
40–49		 Men
50–59		 Men
60+		 Women
20–29		 Women
30–39		 Women
40–49		 Women
50–59		 Women
60+
Elite >60>56>53>48>45 >56>52>48>44>40
Above Avg. 51–6048–5645–5242–4840–45 45–5542–5138–4735–4333–39
Average 40–5038–4736–4433–4130–39 35–4433–4131–3728–3426–32
Below Avg. <40<38<36<33<30 <35<33<31<28<26

Source: ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 10th ed.  |  Cooper Institute  |  NCBI Study