Borg Scale of Perceived Exertion (RPE) Calculator | HealthCalculum

Assess subjective perception of exercise effort

Important Medical Disclaimer

This calculator is an educational and clinical decision support tool. Results DO NOT replace professional medical evaluation, laboratory tests, or clinical judgment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis, treatment, and clinical decisions. Calculations are based on scientifically validated formulas but may not be applicable to all patients.

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What is Borg Scale?

The Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) Scale is a subjective measure of exercise intensity from 6 (no exertion) to 20 (maximum exertion). It correlates with heart rate and helps monitor exercise intensity without equipment.

How to Use

During or after exercise, select the number that best describes your perceived effort. Multiply by 10 to estimate heart rate (e.g., RPE 15 ≈ 150 bpm). Use this to adjust exercise intensity in real-time.

Limitations

RPE is subjective and varies between individuals. Medication (especially beta-blockers) affects heart rate correlation. Experience improves accuracy. Use as a complementary tool with objective measures for comprehensive monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Borg scale correlate with HR?

Multiply RPE value by 10 to estimate HR (e.g., RPE 15 = ~150 bpm). This correlation is approximate and varies individually, but useful for exercise prescription.

What RPE should I use for aerobic training?

RPE 12-14 (moderate) is ideal for continuous aerobic exercise. RPE 6-11 for warm-up/recovery, 15-17 for intense training, 18-20 for maximum effort.

Do medications affect Borg scale?

Beta-blockers and some cardiac medications alter HR without affecting perceived exertion. In these cases, RPE is more reliable than HR for monitoring intensity.

Can I use Borg across different exercises?

Yes, the scale is universal and can be used in any physical activity. However, perception may vary slightly between modalities (e.g., running vs cycling).

Scientific References

1. Borg GA. Psychophysical bases of perceived exertion. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1982;14(5):377-381.
2. American College of Sports Medicine. ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription. 10th ed. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer; 2018.
3. Chen MJ, Fan X, Moe ST. Criterion-related validity of the Borg ratings of perceived exertion scale in healthy individuals: a meta-analysis. J Sports Sci. 2002;20(11):873-899.
4. Scherr J, Wolfarth B, Christle JW, Pressler A, Wagenpfeil S, Halle M. Associations between Borg's rating of perceived exertion and physiological measures of exercise intensity. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2013;113(1):147-155.