Samsung VO2max: how it works.
The watch measures VO2 max during a running workout using heart rate and GPS data. Samsung does not publish how the estimate is calculated.
What counts towards your VO2max
Estimated from: Outdoor run.
What you need to do
Start a running workout on the watch (auto-detected workouts may not count). Run at least 4 km/h for 10 minutes on a flat path with good GPS signal and continuous heart rate on.
How it is shown
Shown near the bottom of the workout summary after the run. Format and any rating scale not confirmed.
Related features
- Fitness age: not confirmed
- Race predictor: not confirmed
- Running Coach (12-min outdoor run test that sets a running level, Galaxy Watch8 and later)
- Daily Cardio Load (Galaxy Watch7 and later with One UI 9 Watch)
- Fitness Index (combines VO2 max, body composition, heart rate, steps, activity)
- Sweat loss
- Vitals (overnight HR, HRV, skin temperature, breathing rate, blood oxygen)
Models
Galaxy Watch9 · Galaxy Watch Ultra2 · Galaxy Watch8 · Galaxy Watch8 Classic · Galaxy Watch Ultra · Galaxy Watch7
How accurate is it?
We found no published, peer-reviewed validation of this estimate. Watch estimates in general are reasonable for groups but can be several points off for individuals — see how accurate watch VO2max is.
Samsung support says watches with One UI 4.1 and newer can measure VO2 max during runs. In 2024 Samsung announced a University of Michigan lab study reporting 82% correlation with lab testing (CPET) in elite runners; it is a press release, not a peer-reviewed paper. A 2025 study (Lee et al., Healthcare) used a Galaxy Watch7 but built its own Cooper test equation and did not test Samsung's built-in VO2 max.
Frequently asked questions
How does Samsung calculate VO2max?
The watch measures VO2 max during a running workout using heart rate and GPS data. Samsung does not publish how the estimate is calculated. Start a running workout on the watch (auto-detected workouts may not count). Run at least 4 km/h for 10 minutes on a flat path with good GPS signal and continuous heart rate on.
How accurate is Samsung VO2max?
We found no published, peer-reviewed validation study of the Samsung estimate. Treat it as a trend tracker rather than a lab value.
Which Samsung devices show VO2max?
Examples: Galaxy Watch9, Galaxy Watch Ultra2, Galaxy Watch8, Galaxy Watch8 Classic, Galaxy Watch Ultra, Galaxy Watch7. Support depends on model and firmware.
Check your number against the norms for your age, estimate it with the VO2max calculator, or turn it into race times and paces.
Sources
- Samsung US support - Work out with your Wear OS Galaxy Watch
- Samsung US Newsroom - Top Galaxy Watch Ultra2 features for runners (July 2026)
- Samsung Mobile Press - First look at Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9 (July 2026)
- Samsung US Newsroom - Galaxy Watch University of Michigan studies (Sept 2024)
- Samsung US Newsroom - Galaxy Watch Active2 update adds VO2 max (Sept 2020)
Samsung is a trademark of its owner. VO2max Health is independent and not affiliated with Samsung. Features vary by model and firmware.