Cycling Cadence Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the cycling cadence calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

Use the Cycling Cadence Calculator

Formulas Used

Cadence

cadence_rpm = round(speed_mpm / development_m)

Gear Ratio

gear_ratio = round(chainring / cog * 100) / 100

Development

development = round(development_m * 100) / 100

Speed

speed_kph = round(speed_mph * 1.60934 * 100) / 100

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
speed_mphSpeed(mph)18
chainringChainring Teeth(teeth)50
cogRear Cog Teeth(teeth)17
wheel_circ_mWheel Circumference(m)2.1
speed_mpmDerived value= speed_mph * 1609.34 / 60calculated
development_mDerived value= (chainring / cog) * wheel_circ_mcalculated

How It Works

How Cycling Cadence Is Calculated

Formula

Cadence (RPM) = Speed (m/min) / Development (m/rev)

Where Development = Gear Ratio x Wheel Circumference

Optimal Cadence

Most cyclists are most efficient between 80-100 RPM. Professional road cyclists typically ride at 85-95 RPM.

Worked Example

Riding at 18 mph with 50/17 gearing and 2.1 m wheel circumference.

speed_mph = 18chainring = 50cog = 17wheel_circ_m = 2.1
  1. 01Speed in m/min = 18 * 1609.34 / 60 = 482.8 m/min
  2. 02Gear ratio = 50 / 17 = 2.94
  3. 03Development = 2.94 * 2.1 = 6.18 m/rev
  4. 04Cadence = 482.8 / 6.18 = 78 RPM

Ready to run the numbers?

Open Cycling Cadence Calculator