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Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE)

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Topic Overview

Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) can help you measure how hard your body is working when you are exercising.

Using a scale from 6 to 20, you choose a rating number to describe how difficult the activity feels based on how tired you are, how difficult it is to breathe, and how hard it is to do the activity.

For most people, exercising at a moderate (RPE 12 to 13) to vigorous (RPE 14 to 17) level will help you get the most benefit from exercising. If you have health problems, your RPE goal may be different. Talk with your doctor before starting an exercise program.

**How hard do you feel the exercise is?**
Rating number	Perceived exertion
6	Very, very light
7	Very, very light
8	Very light (you feel comfortable)
9	Very light (you feel comfortable)
10	Light
11	Light
12	Somewhat hard (you feel tired but you can keep going)
13	Somewhat hard (you feel tired but you can keep going)
14	Hard
15	Hard
16	Very hard (you feel very tired, and you are pushing yourself to continue)
17
18
19	Very, very hard (the most difficult exercise you have ever done)
20

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: October 25, 2011

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.