Running Pace Calculator

Enter a distance and time to get your pace per mile and per kilometer, your speed, and predicted finish times for common race distances.

Calculate Your Pace
Pace Per Mile
Pace Per Kilometer
Speed (mph)
Speed (km/h)
Predicted Marathon Time
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Predicted Finish Times (minutes)
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How to Use the Running Pace Calculator

Pace is the time it takes to cover one mile or one kilometer, and it's the number runners use to plan training and races. Enter how far you ran and how long it took, and this calculator returns your pace, your speed, and projected times for standard race distances.

Pace vs Speed

Pace and speed describe the same thing from opposite directions. Pace is time per distance (for example 8:00 per mile), while speed is distance per time (7.5 mph). Runners usually think in pace because it maps directly to splits, while treadmills and cyclists use speed. The calculator shows both.

Predicting Race Times

The predicted finish times use Riegel's formula, which scales a known time to other distances using an endurance exponent. It's a solid estimate for races from 5K to the marathon, assuming you train appropriately for the longer distance. Real marathon results also depend on fueling, terrain, and heat.

Training by Pace

Most plans prescribe different paces for different runs: easy runs well slower than race pace, tempo runs near threshold, and intervals faster than race pace. Knowing your current pace from a recent effort lets you set those training paces correctly and track improvement over time.

Tip: For the most accurate race predictions, base your input on a recent hard effort at 5K or longer. Short sprints over-predict your endurance pace because you can't hold that speed for a marathon.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate my running pace?
Divide your total time by the distance. For example, 25 minutes for 5 km is 5:00 per km, or about 8:03 per mile. This calculator does the conversion and also gives your speed and predicted race times automatically.
What is a good running pace?
A common recreational pace is about 9–11 minutes per mile, but 'good' depends on age, experience, and distance. Beginners often start around 12 minutes per mile. Focus on improving your own pace over time rather than comparing to others.
How accurate are predicted finish times?
Riegel's prediction formula is reliable when you train specifically for the target distance, typically within a few percent. Predictions for the marathon from a short race assume proper endurance training; without long runs, you'll likely run slower than predicted.
What pace do I need for a sub-4-hour marathon?
A sub-4:00 marathon requires about 9:09 per mile (5:41 per km) for all 26.2 miles. Enter 26.2 miles and 3:59:00 to confirm, then use that as your goal race pace in training.
How do I convert pace between miles and kilometers?
Multiply a per-mile pace by 0.621 to get per-kilometer pace, or divide a per-km pace by 0.621 for per-mile. The calculator shows both at once so you don't have to convert manually.

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Written & reviewed by the CalcHeadquarters Editorial Team
Every calculator is built from published formulas and authoritative sources, then independently checked for accuracy before it goes live. Last updated June 2026. Read our editorial policy & methodology.
Sources
  • Riegel PS — Athletic records and human endurance (time-prediction model)