Cardiopulmonary Function Assessment Scores (CPET)

VO2 Peak Calculator

Clinical calculation support · Verify results before clinical use

Estimate aerobic capacity

Enter the total score from the 12-item Duke Activity Status Index (DASI).

0–58.2DASI range

About VO₂ peak estimation

VO₂ peak is the highest oxygen uptake achieved during an exercise test and reflects the integrated response of the cardiovascular, respiratory, and skeletal-muscle systems. This calculator estimates VO₂ peak from a questionnaire-derived score; it does not directly measure oxygen consumption.

Formula used

Estimated VO₂ peak	(0.43 × DASI score) + 9.6
Estimated METs	Estimated VO₂ peak ÷ 3.5
DASI score range	0–58.2
VO₂ peak unit	mL/kg/min

Clinical interpretation and limitations

The DASI is a 12-item self-reported measure of functional capacity. The original study reported a correlation between DASI and measured peak oxygen uptake, but an individual estimate is not interchangeable with cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET).

Subsequent research has reported that the original equation may overestimate measured VO₂ peak in some populations. Interpret the estimate in the context of the patient and the population in which the equation is being applied. When objective measurement is needed, CPET provides direct assessment of exercise gas exchange.

This page accepts a pre-calculated DASI total; it does not administer or score the 12 questionnaire items.

References

Hlatky MA, Boineau RE, Higginbotham MB, et al.A brief self-administered questionnaire to determine functional capacity (the Duke Activity Status Index). Am J Cardiol. 1989;64(10):651–654.DOI: 10.1016/0002-9149(89)90496-7 · PMID: 2782256

Hollingsworth K, Zhao Y, Charchaflieh JG, Carr ZJ.Reducing Systematic Overestimation Bias in the Duke Activity Status Index Estimated Peak Oxygen Uptake: A Cross-Sectional Analysis Using Submaximal Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing. A&A Practice. 2026;20(3):e02160.DOI: 10.1213/XAA.0000000000002160 · PMID: 41729842.

Clinical disclaimer: This calculator provides an estimate based on a questionnaire-derived score and is not a substitute for measured VO₂ peak, CPET, or comprehensive clinical assessment. Do not use this estimate alone for diagnosis, prognostication, exercise prescription, perioperative decisions, or treatment decisions.