Pace Calculator
Calculate your running or walking pace with our free pace calculator. Enter your distance and time to find your pace per kilometer or mile, plus average speed. Perfect for runners, cyclists, and athletes tracking performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Divide your total time by the distance covered. For example, if you run 5 km in 25 minutes, your pace is 25/5 = 5 minutes per kilometer. Our calculator does this automatically and shows both km and mile paces.
A 'good' pace depends on your fitness level and goals. Beginner runners often start at 7-9 min/km. Intermediate runners average 5-6 min/km. Elite marathoners run around 3 min/km. Focus on your personal progress.
Speed (km/h) = 60 / pace (min/km). For example, a 6:00 min/km pace equals 60/6 = 10 km/h. Our calculator automatically shows both pace and speed.
To finish a marathon (42.195 km) in under 4 hours, you need to average about 5:41 min/km or 9:09 min/mi. Use our calculator to plan your race pace for any target time.
Improve pace through consistent training, interval workouts, tempo runs, strength training, and proper recovery. Include one speed workout per week (intervals or fartlek), long slow runs for endurance, and tempo runs at lactate threshold. Most importantly, build gradually - increasing weekly mileage by no more than 10% prevents injury.
No, pace varies significantly by distance. You can sustain a faster pace for shorter distances. For example, 5K pace is typically 20-30 seconds per km faster than 10K pace, which is 30-45 seconds faster than half marathon pace, and 45-60 seconds faster than marathon pace. Train at specific paces for your target race distance.
Negative splitting means running the second half of a race faster than the first half. This strategy conserves energy early and allows for a strong finish. Most elite runners negative split marathons. Start conservatively, settle into goal pace, then increase speed in the final quarter if you feel strong.
Uphill running significantly slows pace - expect 12-20 seconds per km slower for every 1% grade increase. Downhill can speed pace but increases impact stress. Trail running is typically 1-2 min/km slower than road running due to uneven terrain. Focus on effort level rather than pace when running hills or trails.
Temperature (heat slows pace by 20-30 seconds per km above 15°C), humidity, wind, elevation, terrain, fatigue, nutrition, hydration, and sleep quality all impact pace. Race day adrenaline can improve pace by 5-10%. Don't compare training paces to race paces or indoor treadmill paces to outdoor running.
Start slightly slower than goal pace (5-10 seconds per km) for the first 25% of the race to avoid early fatigue. Settle into goal pace for the middle 50%. If feeling strong in the final 25%, gradually increase pace. Practice this strategy in training. Even pacing or slight negative splits produce the best results.
