Pace Calculator: Master Your Running Speed
Calculate your pace for any distance, convert between units, and plan your race strategy.
Pace Unit Converter
Whether you're training for a 5k race, aiming for a marathon PR, or just trying to understand yourrunning speed, our Pace Calculator is an essential tool. This calculator helps you determine yourrun pace, predict your race finish time, or calculate the distance you can cover at a specific pace. Understanding your pace is key to effective training and achieving your running goals.
This versatile running pace calculator can help you plan your workouts, from easy recovery runs to challenging interval sessions. It supports various units (miles and kilometers) and allows you to input or calculate total time, distance, and pace. For authoritative information on running and training, consider resources like Runner's World for general tips and USA Track & Field (USATF) for competitive standards.
Our calculator offers three primary functions:
- Calculate Pace: Enter your total run time and distance to find your average pace (e.g., minutes per mile or minutes per kilometer).
- Calculate Time: Input your desired pace and distance to estimate your total running time. Perfect for race time prediction.
- Calculate Distance: Set your pace and total running time to see how far you can run. Useful for time-based training.
You can use standard race presets like 5k, 10k, half marathon, and marathon, or input custom distances. The calculator also features a handy pace converter to easily switch between min/mile and min/km.
Your running pace is more than just a number; it's an indicator of your effort and fitness level. Different paces correspond to different training intensities and physiological benefits:
| Pace Type | Typical Purpose | Subjective Feel |
|---|---|---|
| Easy Pace / Recovery Pace | Building aerobic base, recovery after hard efforts. | Conversational, light effort. |
| Marathon Pace (MP) | Race pace for marathons, long endurance training. | Comfortably hard, sustainable for long periods. |
| Tempo Pace / Threshold Pace | Improving lactate threshold, sustained hard effort. | Hard but controlled, can utter a few words. |
| Interval Pace (VO2 Max) | Increasing aerobic capacity, shorter, faster repeats. | Very hard, difficult to speak. |
| Sprint Pace / Speed Pace | Improving top speed, very short bursts. | All-out effort. |
Knowing these paces can help you structure your training effectively. For example, a training pace calculator like ours can help you determine target paces for different workouts based on your current fitness or race goals. For a deeper understanding of training intensities, you might also find our Heart Rate Zone Calculator useful in conjunction with pace training.
Disclaimer: This Pace Calculator and the information provided are for educational purposes only and should not substitute professional medical or dietary advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider or registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or exercise routine, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
Content last medically reviewed: November 22, 2023. Always consult your physician for medical advice.
Content last medically reviewed on November 22, 2023.
Reviewed by Dr. Joshua Cassinat, MD, Board-Certified Physician
Last medically reviewed: November 22, 2023