ToolnozaRunning pace formula
Pace = elapsed time ÷ distance. Convert the total time to seconds, divide by distance in miles or kilometres, then convert the remainder to minutes and seconds. Pace is time per distance; speed is distance per time.
Example: 5 kilometres in 27 minutes 30 seconds
Convert 27:30 to 1,650 seconds. Divide 1,650 by 5 km to get 330 seconds per kilometre, or 5:30 min/km. For a pace per mile, divide the same time by the distance in miles instead.
Compare runs using matching units
Use elapsed time and the measured course distance. Convert miles to kilometres before comparing pace figures. A GPS watch may differ from the official course distance because of route, signal and rounding. Elevation, weather and stops also affect pace; the formula only reports an average.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate speed from pace? Divide distance by time. Is average pace the same as every kilometre split? No, it averages the whole run. Should I include pauses? Use elapsed time to include them or moving time to exclude them, and label the choice.