Cardio & Running

Running Speed Calculator

Convert between running speed (km/h / mph) and running pace (min/km / min/mile). Calculate your finish time for any race distance. Instant, no sign-up required.

Speed ↔ Pace ↔ Finish Time

Enter any value — results update instantly

Units
Estimated Finish Time

Enter either speed (km/h or mph) or pace (min/km or min/mile) — the other will be calculated automatically. The estimated finish time assumes a consistent pace for the full distance.

Common Running Paces and Equivalent Speeds

Pace (min/km)Speed (km/h)Pace (min/mile)5km FinishHalf Marathon
4:0015.06:2620:001:24:23
5:0012.08:0325:001:45:29
6:0010.09:3930:002:06:35
7:008.611:1635:002:27:41
8:007.512:5240:002:48:47
10:006.016:0550:003:30:59

Understanding Running Pace Zones

Most training plans distribute runs across 3–5 intensity zones based on percentage of max heart rate or pace. Easy runs (Zone 2, 60–70% HRmax) should form 70–80% of total weekly running volume — they build aerobic base, promote fat adaptation, and allow recovery between harder sessions. Tempo runs (Zone 3–4, around 10km race pace) train lactate threshold. Interval runs (Zone 4–5, at or above 5km pace) develop VO2max and speed. Beginners often run all their miles too hard and all their fast sessions too slow — pace tracking is the most practical way to ensure proper training distribution.

Frequently Asked Questions

A comfortable beginner pace is 7–9 min/km (11–14 min/mile), approximately 6.5–8.5 km/h (4–5 mph). At this pace you should be able to hold a light conversation. Slower running isn't a failure — running slowly and building consistency produces better long-term development than running hard and getting injured or burnt out. Most beginners improve rapidly and naturally run faster within 8–12 weeks of consistent training.
Speed (km/h) = 60 ÷ pace (min/km). Example: 6:00/km pace = 60 ÷ 6 = 10 km/h. Pace (min/km) = 60 ÷ speed (km/h). Example: 12 km/h = 60 ÷ 12 = 5:00/km. For miles: speed (mph) = 60 ÷ pace (min/mile). The calculator above does this automatically — just enter either value.
Sub-30 minute 5km requires maintaining 6:00/km (9:39/mile) or faster for the entire 5km. This equates to 10 km/h on the treadmill. For most beginners, a sub-30 5km is achievable within 3–6 months of consistent training (3–4 sessions/week). The sub-25 5km (5:00/km) is the next milestone, requiring approximately 6–12 months of dedicated training for most recreational runners.
Negative splits means running the second half of a race faster than the first half. It is one of the most effective pacing strategies for endurance performance — most running records are set with negative splits or even pacing. The alternative (running fast early and dying in the second half, called 'positive splits') results in dramatically worse finish times due to glycogen depletion and lactic acid accumulation. Even splits or slight negative splits should be the target for 5km through marathon distances.