Suunto VO2max: how it works.
The watch reads your heart rate response during recorded runs and walks, together with pace and movement data. Past runs and walks are also used, so the estimate gets better as you record more.
What counts towards your VO2max
Estimated from: Outdoor run, Walk.
What you need to do
Record a run or walk of at least 15 minutes with heart rate. On the Suunto Run the manual mentions runs only.
How it is shown
VO2max value in the Progress widget and the Suunto app, plus fitness age. The Suunto 9 manual lists 8 levels from Very poor to Superior.
Related features
- Fitness age: yes
- Race predictor: yes
- Training load (TSS, CTL, ramp rate)
- Lactate threshold estimate
- Running pace prediction for set distances
- HRV
- Recovery
- Resources
- SuuntoPlus Cooper test app (12-min run test that gives a VO2max estimate)
Models
Suunto Race 2 · Suunto Race S · Suunto Vertical 2 · Suunto Run 2 · Suunto Run · Suunto Ocean
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.
No published study found that validates the VO2max shown on current Suunto watches. A 2009 study (Montgomery et al., J Strength Cond Res) tested oxygen uptake predictions from Suunto heart rate software, not the watch VO2max feature. Older models (Suunto 9, Suunto 7) show it under Fitness level. Suunto describes the estimate as coming from outdoor runs and walks.
Frequently asked questions
How does Suunto calculate VO2max?
The watch reads your heart rate response during recorded runs and walks, together with pace and movement data. Past runs and walks are also used, so the estimate gets better as you record more. Record a run or walk of at least 15 minutes with heart rate. On the Suunto Run the manual mentions runs only.
How accurate is Suunto VO2max?
We found no published, peer-reviewed validation study of the Suunto estimate. Treat it as a trend tracker rather than a lab value.
Which Suunto devices show VO2max?
Examples: Suunto Race 2, Suunto Race S, Suunto Vertical 2, Suunto Run 2, Suunto Run, Suunto Ocean. 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
- Suunto Race 2 user guide - Widgets - Progress
- Suunto Run 2 user guide - Widgets - Progress
- Suunto Run user guide - Widgets - Progress
- Suunto Vertical 2 user guide - Widgets - Progress
- Suunto Race S user guide - Widgets - Progress
- Suunto 9 user guide - Features - Fitness level
- Suunto blog - VO2 max guide (how Suunto estimates VO2 max)
- Suunto - Test your fitness with Suunto (Cooper test app)
- DC Rainmaker - Suunto 9 gets new sleep and fitness metrics from Firstbeat (2019)
Suunto is a trademark of its owner. VO2max Health is independent and not affiliated with Suunto. Features vary by model and firmware.