How to calculate running pace
Pace = total elapsed time ÷ distance. Enter a distance in kilometres or miles, then the elapsed hours, minutes and seconds. The result shows how many minutes and seconds it takes on average to cover one kilometre and one mile.
For example, 5 km completed in 25 minutes gives 5:00 min/km (about 8:03 min/mile). If you include stopped time in the form, the result is overall elapsed-time pace rather than moving-only pace.
Convert pace per km to pace per mile
One mile is exactly 1.609344 km. To convert pace in seconds per kilometre to seconds per mile, multiply by 1.609344. So 5:00 min/km is 300 × 1.609344 ≈ 483 seconds, or about 8:03 min/mile. To convert min/mile back to min/km, divide seconds per mile by 1.609344.
Pace versus average speed
Pace describes the time per unit distance; speed describes distance per unit time. Six minutes per kilometre equals 10 km/h, about 6.21 mph. The calculator uses the same distance and total elapsed time to estimate average speed.
Common 5K, 10K and marathon pace examples
These are arithmetic examples of constant average pace, not predictions of your race performance:
| Distance and finish time | Approximate pace |
|---|---|
| 5K in 25 minutes | 5:00/km · 8:03/mi |
| 5K in 30 minutes | 6:00/km · 9:39/mi |
| 10K in 50 minutes | 5:00/km · 8:03/mi |
| 10K in 60 minutes | 6:00/km · 9:39/mi |
| Half marathon in 2 hours | ≈ 5:41/km · 9:09/mi |
| Marathon in 4 hours | ≈ 5:41/km · 9:09/mi |
Race examples assume 21.0975 km for a half marathon and 42.195 km for a marathon. Actual terrain, breaks and fatigue affect whether a pace is sustainable.
How to use pace results sensibly
This calculator is suitable for average running or walking pace, but does not analyze heart rate, splits, grade-adjusted pace or fitness. GPS measurement errors and pauses can affect results. Compare sessions using consistent time and distance definitions, and avoid treating a mathematical target as a guarantee or a health recommendation.
Frequently asked questions
How fast is a 30-minute 5K?
The required average pace is 6:00 per km, approximately 9:39 per mile.
What pace is a 28-minute 5K?
About 5:36 per km or 9:01 per mile.
What is a 50-minute 10K pace?
5:00 per km, or approximately 8:03 per mile.
How long is a 10K at 5:30/km?
At a constant 5:30 per kilometre, 10 km takes 55 minutes.
What pace is needed for a four-hour marathon?
Approximately 5:41 per kilometre, or 9:09 per mile.
Can I enter miles instead of kilometres?
Yes. Select US units to enter distance in miles; the results still include both pace units.
Does the calculation include breaks?
It uses the full elapsed time you enter. If you include stops, the average pace includes those stops.
Does it predict my future race time?
No. It calculates arithmetic averages; a goal pace does not guarantee that you can maintain it.