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Cycling cadence to speed calculator

Convert pedal cadence, tooth counts and rolling circumference into theoretical cycling speed.

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Your result

Theoretical road speed33.35km/h
Wheel revolutions per minute264.71rpm
Distance per pedal revolution6.18m

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How to calculate

Cycling cadence to speedThe front-to-rear tooth ratio gives wheel turns per crank turn. Multiply wheel turns by circumference and convert minutes to hours. Concept diagram; not to scale.Cycling cadence to speedPedal cadence(rpm)90Front chainringteeth50Theoretical roadspeed33.3529 km/hMyCalCute.com
The front-to-rear tooth ratio gives wheel turns per crank turn. Multiply wheel turns by circumference and convert minutes to hours. Concept diagram; not to scale.

Convert pedal cadence, tooth counts and rolling circumference into theoretical cycling speed.

Theoretical road speed = cadence*front/rear*circumference*60/1000 km/h
Wheel revolutions per minute = cadence*front/rear rpm
Distance per pedal revolution = front/rear*circumference m

Worked example

  • Pedal cadence (rpm): 90
  • Front chainring teeth: 50
  • Rear sprocket teeth: 17
  • Wheel rolling circumference (m): 2.1
  • Theoretical road speed: 33.35 km/h
  • Wheel revolutions per minute: 264.71 rpm
  • Distance per pedal revolution: 6.18 m

Assumptions and limits

Uses a direct chain drive with no slipping. Measured loaded rolling circumference is preferable to nominal tire dimensions. This does not estimate power, effort or attainable speed.

Results are rounded for display; calculations use unrounded values. Read our calculation methodology.

Understanding the result

Convert pedal cadence, tooth counts and rolling circumference into theoretical cycling speed. The front-to-rear tooth ratio gives wheel turns per crank turn. Multiply wheel turns by circumference and convert minutes to hours.

When this tool is useful

The front-to-rear tooth ratio gives wheel turns per crank turn. Multiply wheel turns by circumference and convert minutes to hours.

Understanding your inputs

InputExample
Pedal cadence (rpm) cadence90
Front chainring teeth front50
Rear sprocket teeth rear17
Wheel rolling circumference (m) circumference2.1

Frequently asked questions

What assumptions should I check?

Uses a direct chain drive with no slipping. Measured loaded rolling circumference is preferable to nominal tire dimensions. This does not estimate power, effort or attainable speed.

How can I check the result?

Start with the labelled example. Keep units consistent, calculate without intermediate rounding and change one input at a time. The diagram explains the model; the result table supplies the numerical answer.

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