Convert between cycling cadence (RPM), speed, and gear ratio. Find the balance of pedaling rate and velocity for any terrain.
The relationship between cadence and speed is one of the most basic cycling calculations. Speed depends on how fast you pedal, what gear you choose, and how large your wheels are.
This calculator works in both directions — enter a target speed to find the required cadence, or enter a cadence to see what speed you can expect. It accounts for wheel size and drivetrain gearing so you can compare setups without treating any one number as a universal target.
Use the output as a planning aid for route selection, gear choice, and training comparisons.
This calculator helps you compare cadence, speed, and gearing in a single place. It is useful for route planning, drivetrain setup, and checking whether a chosen gear range matches the terrain you ride.
Speed (km/h) = Cadence × Gear Ratio × Wheel Circumference × 60 / 1000. Cadence (RPM) = Speed (km/h) × 1000 / (Gear Ratio × Wheel Circumference × 60). Where Gear Ratio = Front Teeth / Rear Teeth.
Result: 39.4 km/h (24.5 mph)
With a 52/15 gear ratio (3.47) on 700×25c wheels (2.105m circumference), pedaling at 90 RPM produces a speed of about 39.4 km/h. That is a fast road-riding tempo and would usually require a strong steady effort.
Every cycling speed is the product of cadence and gear development (gear ratio × wheel circumference). This means there are many cadence-gear combinations that can produce the same speed.
Road riders use cadence-speed knowledge to select gearing for time trials and steady rides. Triathletes use it to check whether their race-pace targets are realistic. Mountain bikers and commuters can use it to confirm that their easiest gear is low enough for the steepest terrain they ride.
Treat the result as a comparison number for route and gear planning rather than as a judgment of riding quality or fitness.
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The calculator applies bicycle kinematics to convert between cadence, gear ratio, wheel circumference, and speed. It is a planning worksheet for riding conditions, not a performance score or a prescriptive target.
It depends on gearing. In a 50/17 gear (2.94 ratio) on 700×25c wheels, you would need about 80 RPM. In a 39/17 gear, you would need a higher cadence.
Tire pressure slightly changes the effective rolling circumference — lower pressure creates more tire deformation. The difference is usually small enough that standard circumference values remain useful.
Not necessarily. Higher cadence at the same gear means more speed, but it also increases cardiovascular demand. The best balance depends on fitness and terrain.
Many riders pedal at roughly 90-100 RPM on flat stages, with a wider range on climbs and in sprints. Individual preferences vary.
Count your pedal strokes for 15 seconds and multiply by 4, or use this calculator in reverse by entering your known speed and gearing.
Yes. Cadence often drifts downward on long rides as neuromuscular fatigue accumulates, which is why cadence drills can be useful.