Mile Pace Calculator
Calculate your mile pace from time and distance, or convert between pace (min/mile, min/km) and speed (mph, km/h). Perfect for runners tracking training and race performance.
How do you calculate mile pace?
Mile pace = Total time ÷ Distance in miles. Example: Run 3 miles in 24 minutes → 24 ÷ 3 = 8 minutes per mile pace. For partial miles, convert to decimal (2.5 miles). To convert minutes/mile to speed (mph): 60 ÷ pace. Example: 8 min/mile = 60 ÷ 8 = 7.5 mph. To convert to min/km: divide min/mile by 1.60934.
What is the difference between pace and speed?
Pace is time per unit distance (min/mile or min/km) - lower is faster. Speed is distance per unit time (mph or km/h) - higher is faster. Runners typically use pace, cyclists use speed. Conversion: Speed (mph) = 60 ÷ Pace (min/mile). Example: 8 min/mile pace = 7.5 mph speed. Both measure the same thing differently.
How do you convert min/mile to min/km?
Divide min/mile pace by 1.60934 (or multiply by 0.621371). Example: 8:00 min/mile ÷ 1.60934 = 4:58 min/km. Quick approximation: multiply by 0.62. Reverse (min/km to min/mile): multiply by 1.60934. Example: 5:00 min/km × 1.60934 = 8:03 min/mile. Most GPS watches can display both units.
What is a good mile pace for running?
Varies by fitness level and purpose. Beginner runners: 10-12 min/mile, Intermediate: 8-10 min/mile, Advanced: 6-8 min/mile, Elite: sub-5 min/mile. Easy training runs: 1-2 min/mile slower than race pace. Tempo runs: 10-15 sec slower than race pace. Elite mile race: sub-4 minutes (world record ~3:43). Focus on your own progress, not comparing to others.
How fast is a 6 minute mile pace in mph?
6 minute mile pace = 10 mph (60 ÷ 6 = 10). This equals 16.09 km/h or 3:44 per kilometer. This is a strong recreational runner pace. For comparison: 8 min/mile = 7.5 mph, 7 min/mile = 8.57 mph, 5 min/mile = 12 mph. Treadmill speeds show mph, so 10 mph treadmill = 6 min/mile pace.
How do you calculate pace for different distances?
Total time ÷ distance = pace. Examples: 5K (3.1 mi) in 24:48 → 24:48 ÷ 3.1 = 8:00 min/mile. 10K (6.2 mi) in 50 min → 50 ÷ 6.2 = 8:04 min/mile. Half marathon (13.1 mi) in 1:45 (105 min) → 105 ÷ 13.1 = 8:00 min/mile. Marathon (26.2 mi) in 3:30 (210 min) → 210 ÷ 26.2 = 8:01 min/mile.
Why do runners use pace instead of speed?
Pace (min/mile) is more intuitive for race planning and effort perception. Easier to calculate finish times: 8 min/mile × 6.2 miles (10K) = 49:36. Helps with pacing strategy during runs. Matches how runners feel effort (slower pace = easier). GPS watches default to pace. Speed (mph) used more for cycling, driving. Both are valid - use what makes sense for your sport and goals.