Pace Calculator

Whether you're training for a 5K, half marathon, or full marathon, this pace calculator helps you plan your run. Enter any two values — pace, distance, or time — and it solves for the third.

How to Use This Calculator

1. Select your unit: miles or kilometers.
2. Enter any two of the three values: Pace, Distance, or Time.
3. Click Calculate to find the missing value.

Pace Formulas

Pace = Total Time ÷ Distance (e.g., minutes per mile or km)

Time = Pace × Distance

Distance = Total Time ÷ Pace

Example Calculations

Run a 5K (3.1 miles) in 28 minutes → Pace = 28 ÷ 3.1 = 9:02 min/mile

Target pace: 10:00 min/mile for a half marathon (13.1 mi) → Finish time: 10:00 × 13.1 = 2:11:00

Run at 6:30 min/mile for 45 minutes → Distance = 45 ÷ 6.5 = 6.9 miles

Race Distance Reference

• 5K = 3.107 miles
• 10K = 6.214 miles
• Half Marathon = 13.109 miles (21.097 km)
• Marathon = 26.219 miles (42.195 km)
• 1 mile = 1.609 km | 1 km = 0.621 miles

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Starting too fast — Going out ahead of goal pace is the most common race mistake. Negative splits (faster in second half) are almost always more efficient.
• Confusing km/h with min/km — Speed (km/h) and pace (min/km) are reciprocals. To convert: pace (min/km) = 60 ÷ speed (km/h). A 6 min/km pace = 10 km/h.
• Training at race pace every day — Most training should be at easy conversational pace (60%–70% max heart rate). Hard efforts should be no more than 20% of weekly volume.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good running pace for beginners?

Most beginners run 10–14 minutes per mile (6:12–8:41 per km). The most important thing is that you can hold a conversation during easy runs. A "good" pace for you is one you can sustain comfortably.

What pace do I need to qualify for the Boston Marathon?

Boston Qualifying (BQ) standards vary by age and gender. For men 18–34: under 3:00:00 (6:52/mile). For women 18–34: under 3:30:00 (8:02/mile). Standards get progressively more generous with age.

How do I calculate pace in minutes per km from minutes per mile?

Divide pace per mile by 1.60934. A 10:00 min/mile = 10:00 ÷ 1.609 ≈ 6:13 per km. Or multiply pace per km by 1.60934 to convert to pace per mile.

Conclusion

Pace planning is the difference between a great race and a painful blow-up. Use this calculator to find your goal pace for any distance, set training targets, and predict finish times for upcoming races.

Related: Calories Burned Calculator | BMI Calculator | Target Heart Rate Calculator