Convert between running pace (min/mi, min/km) and speed (mph, km/h). Calculate finish times for any distance from your pace or speed.
Running pace is the time it takes to cover a specific distance — usually expressed as minutes per mile or minutes per kilometer. It's the most fundamental metric for runners, used for everything from daily training to race strategy. This calculator converts between pace and speed, and predicts finish times for popular race distances.
Whether you know your pace and want speed, your speed and want pace, or your finish time and want pace — this tool handles all directions. It supports both imperial (miles) and metric (km) units with instant conversion.
Understanding your pace helps you train at the right intensity, plan race strategies, and track fitness improvements over time. Whether you are a beginner or experienced professional, this free online tool provides instant, reliable results without manual computation. By automating the calculation, you save time and reduce the risk of costly errors in your planning and decision-making process.
Pace is the language of running. Knowing your pace lets you hit training targets, set realistic race goals, and compare efforts across different distances. This calculator also shows estimated finish times for standard race distances, helping you plan goals from 5K to marathon. Having a precise figure at your fingertips empowers better planning and more confident decisions.
Pace (min/mile) = 60 / speed (mph) Pace (min/km) = 60 / speed (km/h) Speed (mph) = 60 / pace (min/mile) Speed (km/h) = speed (mph) × 1.60934 Finish time = pace × distance 5K = 3.107 miles, 10K = 6.214 miles Half Marathon = 13.109 miles, Marathon = 26.219 miles
Result: 8:30/mi = 5:17/km = 7.06 mph = 11.35 km/h | Marathon: 3:43:51
A pace of 8:30 per mile equals 5:17 per kilometer, or 7.06 mph (11.35 km/h). At this pace, a 5K would take 26:25, a 10K would take 52:49, a half marathon 1:51:26, and a full marathon 3:43:51. This is a solid recreational running pace.
Most coaches divide training into pace zones: easy (conversational, 1–2 min slower than race pace), tempo (comfortably hard, about 25–30 seconds slower than 5K pace), interval (fast, close to 5K pace or faster), and repetition (near-maximum speed for short bursts). Using a pace calculator helps translate these zones into concrete targets for your GPS watch.
The most common mistake in racing is starting too fast. Even 10 seconds per mile faster than planned in the first few miles can lead to significant slowdown later (especially in the marathon). Use a pace calculator to set your target split times and practice running at that pace during training.
Pace and heart rate are complementary metrics. On flat terrain with mild weather, pace is more actionable. On hills, in heat, or when fatigued, heart rate provides better guidance for effort level. The best runners use both metrics together for optimal training.
It depends on age, sex, fitness, and experience. For recreational runners, 9–12 min/mile is common. Competitive amateurs run 7–9 min/mile. Sub-elite runners typically pace 5:30–7:00 min/mile. The most important pace is one that matches YOUR training goals and fitness level.
Pace is time per distance (minutes per mile or km) — lower is faster. Speed is distance per time (mph or km/h) — higher is faster. Runners prefer pace because it directly tells you how long each mile/km takes, making it easier to plan runs and splits.
Divide your min/mile pace by 1.60934. For example, 8:00/mile ÷ 1.60934 = 4:58/km. Going the other way, multiply min/km by 1.60934. This calculator handles both conversions automatically.
Generally, no. Most runners slow down as distance increases. A common rule is that pace slows by about 5–7% when doubling the race distance. Your 10K pace will be about 5% slower than your 5K pace. Marathon pace is typically 10–15% slower than 10K pace.
Uphill running slows pace significantly — roughly 15–30 seconds per mile for each 1% gradient. Downhill running speeds pace up, but less than the uphill penalty. On a hilly course, focus on maintaining consistent heart rate/effort rather than consistent pace.
A sub-4-hour marathon requires a pace of 9:09/mile or faster (5:41/km). Accounting for bathroom stops, water stations, and crowd navigation, aim for a target pace of 9:00/mile to build in a small buffer.