Equivalent finish times at this pace
| Marker | Split | Cumulative |
|---|
How to use the running pace calculator
Pace is the single most useful number in running. It is simply your time divided by distance — how long it takes to cover one kilometre or one mile. This calculator works in three directions, so you can enter the two numbers you know and let it solve the third.
- Solve pace — enter a distance and a finish time to find the pace you ran (or need to run).
- Solve time — enter a distance and a target pace to predict your finish time.
- Solve distance — enter a time and a pace to find out how far you went.
Every result is shown in both min/km and min/mile, with a split table and equivalent finish times for the standard race distances so you can sanity-check a goal in seconds.
min/km vs min/mile — how to convert
One mile is 1.609344 kilometres, so a mile always takes longer to cover than a kilometre at the same effort. To convert a per-kilometre pace to per-mile, multiply by 1.609344; to go the other way, divide. For example, 5:00 per km is about 8:03 per mile, and 8:00 per mile is about 4:58 per km.
You never have to do this by hand here — the calculator always displays both. That matters if you train with a watch set to kilometres but race in a country that marks the course in miles, or vice versa.
Common paces and the times they produce
Here are frequently targeted paces and the finish times they produce across the four standard race distances, at even effort. These are the exact numbers this calculator returns.
| Pace / km | Pace / mile | 5K | 10K | Half | Marathon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4:00 | 6:26 | 20:00 | 40:00 | 1:24:23 | 2:48:47 |
| 4:30 | 7:15 | 22:30 | 45:00 | 1:34:56 | 3:09:53 |
| 5:00 | 8:03 | 25:00 | 50:00 | 1:45:29 | 3:30:59 |
| 5:30 | 8:51 | 27:30 | 55:00 | 1:56:02 | 3:52:04 |
| 6:00 | 9:39 | 30:00 | 1:00:00 | 2:06:35 | 4:13:10 |
| 6:30 | 10:28 | 32:30 | 1:05:00 | 2:17:08 | 4:34:16 |
| 7:00 | 11:16 | 35:00 | 1:10:00 | 2:27:41 | 4:55:22 |
Turn a pace into a training plan
A pace calculator tells you the number. It cannot tell you whether that number is realistic for your current fitness, or how to train to reach it. For that, two more free tools help:
- VDOT calculator: convert a recent race into equivalent paces and predictions across every distance.
- Race time predictor: predict a goal-race time from any recent result using Riegel's formula.
The real test is on the road: run a marathon-pace or tempo session at your target pace and see whether it holds. That is exactly what The Running Genie automates — building a plan around your pace and adjusting it as your fitness changes.
Get a plan built around your pace
The Running Genie turns the pace you just calculated into a full training plan — and adapts it week by week from your actual runs, not a static formula.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate my running pace?
Running pace is your time divided by distance. Divide total time in seconds by the distance to get seconds per unit, then convert to minutes and seconds. For example, 50 minutes for 10 km is 3000 seconds ÷ 10 = 300 seconds per km, which is 5:00 per kilometre. This calculator does it for km and miles automatically.
What is a good average running pace?
For recreational runners, an easy pace is typically 6:00 to 7:30 per kilometre (9:39 to 12:04 per mile), while a moderate effort sits around 5:00 to 6:00 per km. There is no single "good" pace — it depends on age, experience and terrain. The most useful benchmark is your own easy pace, which should feel conversational.
How do I convert min/km to min/mile?
Multiply your pace per kilometre by 1.609344 to get pace per mile. For example, 5:00 per km × 1.609344 ≈ 8:03 per mile. To go the other way, divide pace per mile by 1.609344. This calculator shows both units side by side.
How do I use a pace calculator to hit a goal time?
Choose your race distance, switch the calculator to "solve pace", and enter your goal finish time. It returns the exact per-km and per-mile pace you need to hold, plus a split table so you can check yourself at each marker on race day.
What pace do I need for a sub-2 hour half marathon?
A sub-2:00 half marathon (21.0975 km) requires a pace just under 5:41 per kilometre, or about 9:09 per mile. Aim for even effort and pass halfway (10.5 km) at around 59:45 to leave a small buffer for the finish.
Does the calculator work for treadmill and track running?
Yes. Enter any distance — 400 m track repeats, a 5 km treadmill run, or a custom distance in km or miles — and it solves pace, time or distance. For treadmills, setting a 1% incline better matches the effort of running outdoors.
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