How to use the Cycling Calculator
Choose Speed / Distance / Time, Route Splits, or Energy Estimate, then enter the values requested by that mode. Choose the unit beside each distance, speed, or weight input. Each dropdown defines the unit of that value, so you can combine kilometers or miles, km/h or mph, and kilograms or pounds.
Speed / Distance / Time
- Select Solve for speed, Solve for time, or Solve for distance.
- Enter the other two values. Enter time in one field as hours:minutes:seconds or minutes:seconds, such as 01:30:00 or 90:00.
- Select Calculate to see distance, time, Average speed, and Pace. Pace is shown as minutes per kilometer or mile, along with the formula row.
The relationships are Speed = Distance ÷ Time, Time = Distance ÷ Speed, and Distance = Speed × Time. Pace uses 60 ÷ Speed for the selected distance unit.
Route Splits
- Enter Total distance and Target total time.
- Choose Equal segments or Custom segment distances.
- For equal segments, enter Number of equal segments from 2 to 100. For custom segments, enter positive, comma-separated values in Segment distances.
- Select Calculate to see the required average speed, split time, cumulative distance, and cumulative time for each segment.
Custom segment distances must add up to the total distance within the calculator's tolerance of about 2%. Split time is calculated in proportion to each segment's distance, using (Segment distance ÷ Total distance) × Total time. The result assumes constant average speed.
Energy Estimate
- Enter Rider weight, Ride duration, and Average speed.
- Leave Effort level (MET) at Auto (based on average speed) to choose a value from the speed, or select a manual MET bracket.
- Select Calculate to see estimated kcal, kJ, the MET value, and the rate.
The estimate uses MET × weight in kilograms × time in hours. It is a generic energy estimate, not a power-meter measurement.
Results, validation, and exports
Selecting Calculate shows a result panel or a specific validation message. Distance, speed, and weight must be positive. Minutes and seconds must be below 60, and total time must be greater than zero. Equal-segment counts must be whole numbers from 2 to 100; custom segment values must be positive and close to the total distance.
Each mode provides Copy result and Download result (.txt). These actions produce a plain-text result. Select Reset to clear that mode’s inputs and hide its result.
Assumptions and limitations
- Speed, distance, time, and route splits use a constant average speed or even pacing. They do not adjust for stops, changing pace, hills, elevation, wind, traffic, drafting, fatigue, or bike fit and aerodynamics.
- Route Splits distributes the target time across distance; it does not change segment times for terrain or wind.
- Energy Estimate uses generic MET values. It is not a power-meter reading or a precise physiological measurement.
Calculation privacy and page data handling
Calculator calculations run locally in script.js using the values entered in the tool. This page also has a separate subscription form that submits an email address to /assets/subscribe.php, and analytics code is loaded through assets/head.html. Therefore, the local calculation statement does not apply to every value or interaction on the page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this calculator account for wind, hills, or drafting?
No. Every calculation here assumes a constant average speed or a generic MET (metabolic equivalent) energy estimate. Wind resistance, terrain and elevation, drafting behind other riders, and bike fit or aerodynamics are not modeled. Real-world results will vary from these figures whenever those factors are significant.
How accurate is the energy (calorie) estimate?
It is a rough, order-of-magnitude estimate using standard MET (metabolic equivalent) values assigned by average speed, multiplied by body weight and ride duration. It is not a power-meter-based calculation and does not account for wind, terrain, drafting, or individual fitness, so treat it as a general estimate rather than a precise measurement.
How do route splits work?
You enter Total distance and Target total time. The tool calculates the required average speed, then divides the distance into equal segments or custom segments you specify. It calculates a split time for each while assuming that speed is held constant across the route; it does not adjust for climbs, descents, or wind.
Can I switch between metric and imperial units?
Yes. A unit toggle switches distance between kilometers and miles, speed between km/h and mph, and rider weight between kilograms and pounds, across all sections of the tool.