Non-exercise equations developed from self-reported physical activity can estimate maximal oxygen uptake (VO[subscript 2]max) as well as sub-maximal exercise testing. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire is the most widely used and validated self-report measure of physical activity. This study aimed to develop and test a VO[subscript 2]max estimation equation derived from the International Physical Activity Questionnaire--Short Form. College-aged males and females (n = 80) completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire--Short Form and performed a maximal exercise test. The estimation equation was created with multivariate regression in a gender-balanced subsample of participants, equally representing five levels of fitness (n = 50) and validated in the remaining participants (n = 30). The resulting equation explained 43% of the variance in measured VO[subscript 2]max (standard error of estimate = 5.45 ml[middle dot]kg[superscript -1][middle dot]min[superscript -1]). Estimated VO[subscript 2]max for 87% of individuals fell within acceptable limits of error observed with sub-maximal exercise testing (20% error). The International Physical Activity Questionnaire--Short Form can be used to successfully estimate VO[subscript 2]max as well as sub-maximal exercise tests. Development of other population-specific estimation equations is warranted. (Contains 5 tables and 1 figure.)