How to Calculate and Use Your Running Pace

Learn what running pace means, how to calculate it from distance and time, and how to use it to pace races and training. Informational, not medical advice.

Updated 3 min read By CodingEagles
Free tool Running Pace Calculator Pace per mile or km, plus speed, from distance and time. Open tool

Pace is the number runners live by. It is simply how fast you are covering ground — and once you can calculate it, you can train and race with a lot more precision than “go hard and hope.”

TL;DR — Enter a distance and time in the pace calculator to see your pace per km and mile, plus your speed.

What pace means

Pace is the time it takes to cover one unit of distance, usually expressed as minutes per kilometer or per mile. A 5:00/km pace means each kilometer takes five minutes. It is the inverse of speed: a faster pace is a lower time per distance, which trips people up at first.

Calculating it

Divide your total time by the distance and you have your pace. The calculator does this both ways — per kilometer and per mile — and also gives your speed in km/h and mph, so you can read whichever number your watch or treadmill uses.

Using pace to race smarter

The classic race mistake is starting too fast and fading. Knowing your target pace lets you run even splits — the most efficient way to a good time. Work out the pace your goal finish time requires, practice holding it in training, and you will have a plan instead of a guess. Find your pace in the pace calculator.

Frequently asked questions

What is running pace?
Pace is the time it takes to cover one unit of distance, usually minutes per kilometer or per mile. A 5:00/km pace means five minutes for every kilometer.
How do I use pace to plan a race?
Multiply your goal pace by the race distance to estimate your finish time, then practice holding that pace so you run even splits instead of starting too fast.

Ready to try it?

Pace per mile or km, plus speed, from distance and time. Free, in-browser, and 100% private — your data never leaves your device.

Open the Running Pace Calculator