Climbing Speed Calculator
Calculate your climbing speed, VAM, and time to summit from gradient, distance, weight, and power output using physics-based modeling.
Inputs
Results
VAM (Vertical Ascent)
1,001 m/hr
Climbing Time
41m 51s
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the climb Gradient in percent and Distance in kilometers.
- Set your Total Weight (rider plus bike in kg) and Power Output in watts.
- Review VAM (Vertical Ascent Meters per hour), Climbing Time, and Average Speed.
- Check Watts per Kilogram (W/kg) to benchmark climbing fitness.
- Use Elevation Gain to verify the climb stats match your GPS data.
How the result changes with Power Output
| Power Output | VAM (Vertical Ascent) | Climbing Time |
|---|---|---|
| 95 | 399 m/hr | 1h 45m 5s |
| 208 | 846 m/hr | 49m 31s |
| 343 | 1,321 m/hr | 31m 43s |
| 455 | 1,664 m/hr | 25m 11s |
What each input means
- Gradient
- The average gradient of the climb in percent. Famous climbs: Alpe d'Huez ~8%, Mont Ventoux ~7.5%.
- Climb Distance
- The road distance of the climb (not horizontal distance).
- Total Weight (rider + bike)
- Combined weight of rider, bike, gear, bottles, etc.
- Power Output
- Your sustained power output during the climb. Use your FTP as a starting point.
Engine last updated . Checked against 2 independently-derived tests — how we verify calculators.
Related Calculators
The questions that sit next to this one — chosen by subject, including calculators filed under a different category.
FTP Estimator
Estimate your Functional Threshold Power (FTP) from common test protocols and calculate Coggan power training zones.
Cycling & Bike TrainingAerodynamic Drag (CdA) Calculator
Estimate your CdA (drag area) from speed and power data. See how aerodynamic and rolling resistance forces split at different speeds.
Sports, Outdoors & RecreationCycling Power Calculator
Calculate cycling power output based on speed, weight, grade, and conditions. Estimate watts and power-to-weight ratio.
Science & EngineeringPower Calculator
Calculate power from work and time, or force and velocity. Use formulas P = W/t or P = Fv.
Cycling & Bike TrainingTraining Stress Score (TSS) Calculator
Calculate Training Stress Score from normalized power, ride duration, and FTP to quantify workout intensity and plan recovery.
More in Sports, Outdoors & Recreation.