Ventilatory Threshold 2 Vt2 Calculator
Free Ventilatory threshold vt2 Calculator for sports physiology. Enter your stats to get performance metrics and improvement targets.
Reviewed by Sher, Sports Science & Nutrition Specialist
Formula
VT2 VO2 = VO2max x 0.80 (range: 0.75-0.85)
VT2 typically occurs at 75-85% of VO2max and 82-90% of heart rate reserve. It is identified when both VE/VO2 and VE/VCO2 increase simultaneously, indicating respiratory compensation for metabolic acidosis. VT2 marks the boundary between heavy and severe exercise intensity domains.
Worked Examples
Example 1: Estimating VT2 Heart Rate and Training Zones
Problem:A runner with max HR 190 bpm, resting HR 60 bpm, and VO2max of 50 ml/kg/min wants to determine VT2 intensity and the full zone structure.
Solution:HR Reserve = 190 - 60 = 130 bpm\nVT2 HR Low (82% HRR) = 60 + (130 x 0.82) = 167 bpm\nVT2 HR Mid (86% HRR) = 60 + (130 x 0.86) = 172 bpm\nVT2 HR High (90% HRR) = 60 + (130 x 0.90) = 177 bpm\nVT2 VO2 = 50 x 0.80 = 40.0 ml/kg/min\nSpeed at VT2: 40.0 = 3.5 + 0.2 x speed -> speed = 182.5 m/min = 10.95 km/h\nPace = 3600/10.95 = 329 sec/km = 5:29/km\nVT1 HR comparison = 148 bpm | VT1-VT2 gap = 24 bpm
Result:VT2 HR: 167-177 bpm | VT2 Pace: ~5:29/km | VT1-VT2 Gap: 24 bpm
Example 2: Race Pacing Based on VT2
Problem:An athlete has VT2 at 172 bpm and VT2 speed of 10.95 km/h. Determine appropriate pacing for 5K, 10K, and half marathon races.
Solution:5K (above VT2): ~102-105% of VT2 speed = 11.17-11.50 km/h\n5K pace = 5:13-5:22/km, HR above 172 bpm\n10K (at VT2): ~95-100% of VT2 speed = 10.40-10.95 km/h\n10K pace = 5:29-5:46/km, HR ~165-172 bpm\nHalf Marathon: ~85-90% of VT2 speed = 9.31-9.86 km/h\nHalf marathon pace = 6:05-6:26/km, HR ~155-165 bpm\nMarathon: ~78-83% of VT2 speed = 8.54-9.09 km/h\nMarathon pace = 6:36-7:01/km, HR ~148-158 bpm
Result:5K: 5:13-5:22/km | 10K: 5:29-5:46/km | Half: 6:05-6:26/km
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ventilatory Threshold 2 (VT2) and how does it differ from VT1?
Ventilatory Threshold 2 (VT2), also called the respiratory compensation point (RCP), is the higher of the two ventilatory thresholds and represents the exercise intensity at which ventilation increases hyperbolically to compensate for metabolic acidosis. Unlike VT1, where only VE/VO2 increases, at VT2 both VE/VO2 and VE/VCO2 increase simultaneously because the bicarbonate buffering system is overwhelmed and the body must hyperventilate to blow off CO2 and lower blood pH. VT2 typically occurs at 75 to 85 percent of VO2max in trained individuals and corresponds to blood lactate levels of approximately 3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L. It closely approximates the maximal lactate steady state and marks the boundary between heavy and severe exercise intensity domains.
References
Reviewed by Sher, Sports Science & Nutrition Specialist · Editorial policy