Running
Pace Calculator
Calculate your pace in min/km, convert between distances, and find your target splits for race day. Simple, fast, and designed for runners.
Details
How to use pace in your training
Pace is measured in minutes per kilometre (min/km) in most of Europe and the running world. A 5:30 min/km pace means you run each kilometre in 5 minutes and 30 seconds. That's roughly a 27:30 finish for 5K or a 55:00 finish for 10K.
Knowing your pace matters because it tells you whether you're training in the right zone. Easy runs should feel easy. Tempo runs should feel comfortably hard. Intervals should hurt a bit. Pace keeps you honest.
Common pace conversions
| Pace (min/km) | min/mile | 5K | 10K | Half | Marathon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4:00 | 6:26 | 20:00 | 40:00 | 1:24:29 | 2:48:58 |
| 4:30 | 7:15 | 22:30 | 45:00 | 1:34:55 | 3:09:51 |
| 5:00 | 8:03 | 25:00 | 50:00 | 1:45:22 | 3:30:44 |
| 5:30 | 8:51 | 27:30 | 55:00 | 1:55:48 | 3:51:37 |
| 6:00 | 9:39 | 30:00 | 1:00:00 | 2:06:15 | 4:12:30 |
| 6:30 | 10:28 | 32:30 | 1:05:00 | 2:16:41 | 4:33:23 |
| 7:00 | 11:16 | 35:00 | 1:10:00 | 2:27:08 | 4:54:16 |
| 7:30 | 12:04 | 37:30 | 1:15:00 | 2:37:34 | 5:15:09 |
These are straight-line calculations. Real race times will vary based on terrain, weather, and fitness. Use the race time predictor for VO2max-based estimates.
Pace zones explained
Running at one pace all the time is the fastest way to plateau. Proper training uses different pace zones for different purposes.
Your everyday running pace. Should feel relaxed. You can hold a full conversation. Most of your weekly volume should be here. Typically 1:00-1:30 min/km slower than your 5K race pace.
The pace you could sustain for a full marathon. Slightly faster than easy. Used for long runs and marathon-specific work.
Your lactate threshold. Comfortably hard. You can speak in short phrases but don't want to. This is your tempo run pace, roughly your 1-hour race pace.
VO2max training. Hard. Used for 800m-1600m repeats. Close to your 3K-5K race pace.
Speed work. Very hard but short. 200m-400m repeats. Develops running economy and neuromuscular coordination.
Snel calculates all five zones automatically using VO2max. Enter a race result during onboarding and every workout comes with exact pace targets.
Tips for race day pacing
Start conservative
The biggest mistake in racing is going out too fast. Aim for even splits or slight negative splits (second half faster than first half).
Know your numbers
For a 10K at 5:00 min/km pace, that means running the first kilometre at 5:00 or 5:05, not 4:45 because you feel fresh. The adrenaline will fade. Your training pace won't.
Practice race pace
Check your goal pace before race day. Run a few sessions at target race pace so your body knows what it feels like. Race day shouldn't be the first time you hit that pace.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate my running pace?
Divide your total time by the distance. If you ran 10K in 50 minutes, your pace is 50 / 10 = 5:00 min/km. The calculator above does this for you.
What's a good pace for a beginner?
Anywhere from 6:00 to 8:00 min/km is typical for new runners. There's no "bad" pace. The right pace is whatever lets you run consistently without injury.
Should I train at race pace?
Only sometimes. Most training should be slower than race pace. About 80% of your runs should be at easy pace. Quality sessions (tempo, intervals) handle the faster work.
How do I convert min/km to min/mile?
Multiply by 1.60934. A 5:00 min/km pace equals roughly 8:03 min/mile. The calculator above converts automatically.
What pace do I need for a sub-2 hour half marathon?
You need to average 5:41 min/km or faster. In practice, aim for 5:38-5:40 to give yourself a small buffer.
Why does my pace vary so much between runs?
Hills, wind, temperature, fatigue, sleep, and hydration all affect pace. That's normal. Focus on effort for easy runs and save pace targets for quality sessions.
How accurate are GPS pace readings?
GPS watches are typically accurate to within 1-3% on open roads. In cities with tall buildings or under tree cover, accuracy drops. Don't obsess over single-kilometre splits.
Want paces for every workout?
Download Snel free and get personalised training zones for every run.
Sign up and lock in founding member pricing. We'll send training tips and launch updates. Privacy Policy