💨 Calculate Speed from Cadence
RPM
Typical road riding: 85-100 RPM
Enter cadence between 1 and 200 RPM.
Common: 34, 36, 39, 46, 50, 52, 53
Enter chainring teeth (20-60).
Common cassette: 11-28, 11-34, 10-51
Enter sprocket teeth (9-52).
Speed
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⚠️ Disclaimer: Speed calculations use standard gear ratio and wheel circumference formulas. Actual speed varies with road conditions, rider power output, and tire pressure. Wheel circumferences are ETRTO standard values at typical riding pressure.
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Sources & Methodology
Gear ratio formulas are standard mechanical calculations. Wheel circumferences use ETRTO standard values. Cadence zones based on UCI-level coaching literature.
Sheldon Brown's Bicycle Gear Calculator — The Reference Standard for Cycling Gear Math
Sheldon Brown's gear calculation methodology is the universally accepted reference for cycling gear ratios, gear inches, and development calculations. Formulas used: Gear ratio = chainring / sprocket. Speed = cadence x gear ratio x wheel circumference x 60 / 1,000,000 (km/h).
ETRTO (European Tyre and Rim Technical Organisation) — Standard Wheel Circumference Values
Official source for tire circumference values by ISO size at standard riding pressure. 700c x 25mm = 2105mm circumference. 700c x 28mm = 2136mm. 29 inch x 2.1 = 2330mm. Values used in all professional cycling computer manufacturers.
Core Formulas:
Gear Ratio = Chainring teeth / Rear sprocket teeth Speed (km/h) = Cadence (RPM) x Gear ratio x Circumference (mm) x 60 / 1,000,000 Speed (mph) = Speed (km/h) / 1.60934 Cadence (RPM) = Speed (km/h) x 1,000,000 / (Gear ratio x Circumference mm x 60) Gear Inches = (Chainring / Sprocket) x Wheel diameter (inches) Development (m/rev) = Pi x Wheel diameter (m) x Gear ratio
Gear Ratio = Chainring teeth / Rear sprocket teeth Speed (km/h) = Cadence (RPM) x Gear ratio x Circumference (mm) x 60 / 1,000,000 Speed (mph) = Speed (km/h) / 1.60934 Cadence (RPM) = Speed (km/h) x 1,000,000 / (Gear ratio x Circumference mm x 60) Gear Inches = (Chainring / Sprocket) x Wheel diameter (inches) Development (m/rev) = Pi x Wheel diameter (m) x Gear ratio
Last reviewed: April 2026
Bike Cadence & Speed Calculator — Complete Cycling Guide
Understanding the relationship between cadence, gear ratio, and speed is fundamental to efficient cycling. Whether you are a road cyclist optimizing your training zones, a mountain biker choosing the right gear for a climb, or a commuter setting up your fixed gear, this calculator gives you precise speed for any combination of RPM, gearing, and wheel size.
The Cadence-Speed-Gear Formula Explained
Your cycling speed is determined by three variables working together: how fast you pedal (cadence in RPM), how many times the rear wheel rotates per pedal revolution (gear ratio), and how far the wheel travels per rotation (wheel circumference). The formula is straightforward and exact:
Speed (km/h) = Cadence x (Chainring / Sprocket) x Circumference(mm) x 60 / 1,000,000
Example: 90 RPM cadence, 50-tooth chainring, 17-tooth sprocket, 700c x 25mm wheel (2105mm):
Speed = 90 x (50/17) x 2105 x 60 / 1,000,000 = 90 x 2.941 x 2105 x 60 / 1,000,000 = 33.4 km/h (20.8 mph)
Speed = 90 x (50/17) x 2105 x 60 / 1,000,000 = 90 x 2.941 x 2105 x 60 / 1,000,000 = 33.4 km/h (20.8 mph)
Cadence Zones for Cyclists
| Zone | Cadence (RPM) | Type | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recovery | 50-65 | Very easy spin | Warm-up, cool-down, active recovery |
| Endurance | 70-80 | Comfortable | Long rides, beginner steady-state |
| Optimal | 85-100 | Efficient | Road riding, training, racing |
| High | 100-115 | Aerobic stress | Threshold intervals, sprinting lead-up |
| Sprint | 115-140+ | Maximum | Full sprint efforts, track cycling |
Common Road Bike Speed Reference (700c x 25mm wheel)
| Gear | Ratio | @ 80 RPM | @ 90 RPM | @ 100 RPM | @ 110 RPM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 34/28 (easy climb) | 1.21 | 15.4 km/h | 17.3 km/h | 19.2 km/h | 21.1 km/h |
| 39/25 | 1.56 | 19.8 km/h | 22.3 km/h | 24.8 km/h | 27.3 km/h |
| 50/21 (mid range) | 2.38 | 30.2 km/h | 34.0 km/h | 37.8 km/h | 41.5 km/h |
| 50/17 (common road) | 2.94 | 37.3 km/h | 41.9 km/h | 46.6 km/h | 51.3 km/h |
| 53/13 (fast flat) | 4.08 | 51.7 km/h | 58.2 km/h | 64.6 km/h | 71.1 km/h |
| 53/11 (sprint) | 4.82 | 61.1 km/h | 68.7 km/h | 76.3 km/h | 83.9 km/h |
What Is Optimal Cadence?
Research consistently shows 85-100 RPM is the optimal range for most road cyclists. At this cadence, cyclists generate required power primarily through cardiovascular output rather than muscular force, delaying fatigue and reducing knee stress. A landmark study by Lucia et al. (2001) found Tour de France cyclists averaged 90-100 RPM during mountain stages. Lower cadences (70-80 RPM) increase muscular demand and lactic acid accumulation, while excessively high cadences (110+ RPM) increase cardiovascular demand without proportional power gains for most riders.
💡 Measuring your actual wheel circumference: For maximum accuracy, inflate your tire to riding pressure, place a mark on the tire and ground, roll the bike forward one full revolution, and measure the distance between ground marks. This gives your actual circumference accounting for your tire brand, pressure, and rider weight deformation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Speed (km/h) = Cadence (RPM) x Gear ratio x Wheel circumference (mm) x 60 / 1,000,000. Gear ratio = chainring teeth / rear sprocket teeth. Example: 90 RPM, 50/17 gear (2.94 ratio), 700c x 25mm wheel (2105mm): Speed = 90 x 2.94 x 2105 x 60 / 1,000,000 = 33.4 km/h (20.8 mph). Use the Cadence to Speed tab above for instant calculation.
For road cycling, 85-100 RPM is considered optimal. Research shows this range minimizes muscular stress while maintaining power output. Mountain biking: 70-90 RPM due to varied terrain. Sprinting: 110-130+ RPM. Beginners typically prefer 60-75 RPM but should gradually train toward 80-90 RPM. Using a cycling computer with a cadence sensor is the best way to monitor and develop your cadence consistently.
Gear ratio = Chainring teeth / Rear sprocket teeth. A 50/17 gear gives ratio 2.94, meaning the rear wheel rotates 2.94 times per pedal revolution. Higher ratio = faster speed at same cadence but harder to pedal. Lower ratio = easier to pedal but slower. Common road bike ratios: 1.2-1.5 (climbing) to 4.0-5.0 (sprinting). Mountain bikes use lower ratios (0.6-2.5) for steep terrain.
It depends on your gear ratio and wheel size. At 100 RPM with 50/17 gear ratio (2.94) and 700c x 25mm wheel: 100 x 2.94 x 2105 x 60 / 1,000,000 = 37.1 km/h (23.1 mph). At 100 RPM with 39/17 ratio (2.29): 28.9 km/h (18.0 mph). At 100 RPM with 53/11 ratio (4.82): 61.0 km/h (37.9 mph). Use the calculator above with your specific gear and wheel combination for exact results.
Common ETRTO wheel circumferences: 700c x 23mm = 2096mm (road racing). 700c x 25mm = 2105mm (most road bikes). 700c x 28mm = 2136mm (endurance road/gravel). 700c x 32mm = 2155mm (gravel). 26 inch MTB = 2045mm. 27.5 inch (650b) = 2215mm. 29 inch MTB = 2330mm. These are standard values at typical inflation pressure. For maximum accuracy, measure your actual wheel circumference by rolling the bike one revolution.
Gear inches = (Chainring / Sprocket) x Wheel diameter in inches. 700c wheel = approximately 27 inches. Example: 50/17 gear on 700c: (50/17) x 27 = 2.94 x 27 = 79.4 gear inches. Higher gear inches = harder to pedal but faster at same cadence. Road racing gears: 60-110 gear inches. Development (meters/revolution) = Pi x wheel diameter (m) x gear ratio = 3.14159 x 0.669 x 2.94 = 6.18 meters per pedal revolution.
1) Use a cadence sensor with a cycling computer for real-time feedback. 2) Practice 1-minute high-cadence intervals (100-110 RPM) on flat ground. 3) Shift to easier gears on climbs to maintain 80-90 RPM instead of grinding. 4) Try single-leg pedaling drills (unclip one foot) for 30 seconds per leg to improve pedaling smoothness at high cadence. 5) Allow 6-8 weeks for neuromuscular adaptation. Gradual increase of 2-3 RPM per week is more sustainable than jumping directly to 90+ RPM.
Lower gear ratios allow you to maintain 75-85 RPM cadence on steep climbs without excessive muscular fatigue. Compact chainsets (34/50) with 11-34 cassettes provide ratios as low as 1.0 (34/34) for road cycling. MTB 1x drivetrains with 30-34 tooth chainrings and 10-51 cassettes give ratios as low as 0.59 for very steep terrain. A good climbing guideline: select a gear that lets you maintain 75+ RPM without excessive leg burning — if you cannot, shift to an easier gear.
Development (or rollout) is the distance a bicycle travels per pedal revolution. Development (m) = Pi x wheel diameter (m) x gear ratio. Example: 700c x 25mm wheel (0.669m diameter), 50/17 ratio (2.94): Development = 3.14159 x 0.669 x 2.94 = 6.18 meters per pedal stroke. At 90 RPM: 6.18m x 90 = 556m/min = 33.4 km/h. Development is useful for comparing gearing across different wheel sizes and drivetrain configurations.
Tour de France riders typically maintain 90-100 RPM during sustained efforts including mountain climbs. Research by Lucia et al. (2001) found professional cyclists averaged 90-95 RPM during Alpine stages. Lance Armstrong popularized 100-110 RPM in the early 2000s. Current riders including Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard typically use 90-100 RPM on major climbs, shifting to 110-130+ RPM during sprint finishes. The high cadence preferred by pros reduces muscular glycogen depletion during long stages.
Cadence sensors measure pedal revolutions per minute using a magnet attached to the crank arm and a sensor on the chainstay. As the magnet passes the sensor each revolution, the cycling computer counts pulses and calculates RPM. Modern dual-sided power meters (Stages, Garmin Rally, Assioma) measure cadence from each pedal independently. Some Garmin and Wahoo computers estimate cadence from GPS speed combined with power data without a dedicated sensor, though a dedicated sensor is more accurate.
The cadence itself is unaffected by 1x versus 2x drivetrains — it is always measured in RPM regardless of how many chainrings you have. What differs is the gear range available: a 2x system (e.g., 34/50 with 11-34 cassette) covers ratios from approximately 1.0 to 4.55. A 1x system (e.g., 32T ring with 10-51 cassette) covers 0.63 to 3.2. 2x provides closer gear steps (more gradual ratio changes) while 1x provides simpler shifting with larger steps between gears.
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