METs to VO2 Calculator

Calculator Form

Conversion mode

MET value

VO2 value (mL/kg/min)

Body weight (kg) optional

Duration (minutes) optional

Resting VO2 constant

Decimal places

Activity label

Reset

Plotly Graph

METs and VO2 Relationship

The graph plots the standard linear relationship between METs and relative VO2. Your current result is highlighted after calculation.

Formula Used

Core formulas

METs to VO2: VO2 (mL/kg/min) = METs × Resting VO2 constant

How to convert VO2 to METs: METs = VO2 (mL/kg/min) ÷ Resting VO2 constant

Absolute VO2: L/min = Relative VO2 × Body Weight ÷ 1000

Calories per minute: kcal/min = METs × Resting VO2 constant × Body Weight ÷ 200

The standard resting VO2 constant is 3.5 mL/kg/min. Sports labs and some rehab settings may use a measured resting value instead, so this calculator lets you change that baseline.

How to Use This Calculator

Steps

Select METs to VO2 or VO2 to METs.
Enter the main value for the chosen mode.
Leave the other main field blank or use it as a reference.
Add body weight to estimate absolute VO2 and calorie cost.
Add duration to estimate total calories and total oxygen used.
Adjust the resting VO2 constant when your protocol differs from 3.5.
Choose decimal places and add an activity label.
Click Calculate to see the result above the form.

Example Data Table

Sample METs and VO2 values

Activity Example	METs	VO2 (mL/kg/min)	Calories/Min at 70 kg
Seated recovery	1.3	4.55	1.59
Brisk walking	4.3	15.05	5.27
Steady jogging	8.0	28.00	9.80
Vigorous cycling	10.0	35.00	12.25
Hard interval effort	12.0	42.00	14.70

Calorie values are approximate and use the standard 3.5 resting constant with a body weight of 70 kg.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

1) What is a MET in sports training?

A MET expresses exercise intensity as a multiple of resting energy use. One MET is the resting oxygen cost, commonly treated as 3.5 mL/kg/min.

2) How do I convert METs to VO2?

Multiply METs by the resting VO2 constant. With the standard value, VO2 = METs × 3.5. Example: 8 METs equals 28 mL/kg/min.

3) How to convert VO2 to METs?

Divide relative VO2 by the resting constant. Using the standard value, METs = VO2 ÷ 3.5. Example: 35 mL/kg/min equals 10 METs.

4) Why is body weight optional?

Body weight lets the calculator estimate absolute oxygen consumption in L/min and approximate calories per minute. Relative VO2 itself does not require body weight.

5) Is resting VO2 always 3.5 mL/kg/min?

3.5 mL/kg/min is the common standard, but measured resting values can differ. This tool lets you adjust the constant when your program uses another baseline.

6) What is the difference between relative and absolute VO2?

Relative VO2 is expressed in mL/kg/min and compares effort across body sizes. Absolute VO2 is liters per minute and depends on body weight.

7) Can this calculator help with rehab or conditioning work?

Yes. Coaches, clinicians, and athletes can use it for intensity checks, aerobic planning, walking tests, conditioning sessions, and rehab progress estimates.

8) Why use the chart and export buttons?

The chart shows how METs and VO2 scale together. Exports help you keep records, share summaries, or attach results to training notes.