RPE Calculator

Name: RPE Calculator
Author: CalculatorBolt

Calculate exercise intensity using the Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale. Enter your perceived exertion value (1-10, 6-20, or 0-10) to get the corresponding intensity level and description of what that effort feels like. Use RPE to monitor workout intensity without heart rate monitors. Informational only—consult a fitness professional. Explore more tools on free calculators on CalculatorBolt.

Calculator

RPE Scale

Choose your preferred scale

RPE Value (1-10)

How hard does it feel?

Exercise Duration (minutes)

Optional: for tracking purposes

RPE Value

Intensity Level

Description

Import JSON

How it works

Select an RPE scale (Borg CR10, CR15, or Modified Borg) and enter your perceived exertion value. The calculator maps your value to an intensity level (Very Light, Light, Moderate, Hard, Very Hard, or Maximal) and provides a description of what that exertion feels like.

RPE is a subjective measure that correlates well with objective markers like heart rate. It's particularly useful when heart rate monitoring isn't feasible or when you need to gauge overall workout intensity.

Inputs explained

RPE Scale: Choose between Borg CR10 (1-10), Borg CR15 (6-20), or Modified Borg (0-10). Each scale has different ranges but measures the same concept.
RPE Value: Your subjective rating of how hard the exercise feels. Higher numbers indicate greater exertion.
Exercise Duration: Optional field to track how long you maintained this intensity level.

Example

Borg CR10 Scale:

RPE Value: 5
Intensity Level: Moderate
Description: "You can still talk, but it's getting harder. Breathing is elevated."

This level is ideal for steady-state cardio training and can be sustained for 30-60 minutes.

Tips & notes

Use RPE to gauge effort when heart rate monitoring is not feasible or practical.
Aim for a moderate intensity (RPE 4-6 on CR10) for most cardio workouts to build endurance.
Listen to your body and avoid pushing to maximal exertion too often—reserve RPE 9-10 for short intervals.
RPE can vary based on fatigue, stress, sleep, and other factors—use it as a guide, not an absolute measure.
The "talk test" is a good way to gauge RPE: at moderate intensity, you can talk but not sing.
Consistency is key—learn to accurately assess your own RPE through practice.

RPE Scale Comparison

Intensity	Borg CR10 (1-10)	Borg CR15 (6-20)	Modified (0-10)
Rest/No Exertion	—	6	0
Very Light	1-2	7-9	1-3
Light	3-4	10-11	4-5
Moderate	5-6	12-13	6-7
Hard	7-8	14-16	8-9
Very Hard/Maximal	9-10	17-20	10

FAQs

Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) is a subjective measure of exercise intensity. It quantifies how hard you feel your body is working during physical activity.

Rate how hard the exercise feels on a scale. Common scales include 1-10 (Borg CR10), 6-20 (Borg CR15), or 0-10 (Modified Borg). Higher numbers indicate harder exertion.

For moderate cardio training, aim for RPE 3-5 (on a 1-10 scale). This is sustainable for longer durations and beneficial for cardiovascular health.

No. Everything runs in your browser. Use Export or Share Link to save your calculation.

The Borg Scale, developed by Gunnar Borg, is a psychophysiological scale to measure perceived exertion. The CR10 (1-10) and CR15 (6-20) are the most common versions.

RPE is subjective but highly useful when heart rate monitoring isn't available. Studies show good correlation between RPE and objective measures like heart rate and VO2.

Yes, RPE is commonly used in strength training to gauge effort. An RPE of 7-8 (hard) is typical for effective strength workouts.

RPE 10 represents maximal exertion—the hardest effort you can sustain. This should be used sparingly and only for short durations in training.

Disclaimer

Informational tool based on subjective perception. RPE is a useful guide but should not replace professional medical or fitness advice. Exercise within your limits and consult a fitness professional or healthcare provider for personalized training plans and health assessments.