Elevation Gain Rate (VAM) Calculator

Calculate your vertical ascent rate (VAM) from elevation gain and climbing time. Used by hikers, cyclists, and mountaineers.

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VAM (Vertical Ascent Meters/hr)

610 m/hr

Feet per Hour2,000 ft/hr
Feet per Minute33.3 ft/min

VAM (Vertical Ascent Meters/hr) vs Elevation Gained

View formula & how it works →

What Is VAM?

Definition

VAM stands for *Velocita Ascensionale Media* (Average Ascent Speed). It measures how fast you gain elevation.

Formula

VAM = Elevation Gain (m) / Time (hours)

Benchmarks

ActivityTypical VAM Hiking (moderate)300-500 m/hr Hiking (fast/fit)500-800 m/hr Cycling (recreational)600-900 m/hr Cycling (pro)1,500-1,800 m/hr Trail running600-1,200 m/hr Mountaineering200-400 m/hr

Example Calculation

Gained 3,000 ft in 90 minutes of climbing.

  1. 01Elevation in meters = 3000 x 0.3048 = 914 m.
  2. 02Time in hours = 90 / 60 = 1.5 hours.
  3. 03VAM = 914 / 1.5 = 610 m/hr.
  4. 04Feet per hour = 3000 / 1.5 = 2000 ft/hr.

Frequently Asked Questions

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