Elevation Gain Rate Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the elevation gain rate calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

Use the Elevation Gain Rate Calculator

Formulas Used

VAM (Vertical Ascent Meters/hr)

vam = round(elevation_m / (climb_minutes / 60))

Feet per Hour

ft_per_hr = round(elevation_ft / (climb_minutes / 60))

Feet per Minute

ft_per_min = round(elevation_ft / climb_minutes * 10) / 10

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
elevation_ftElevation Gained(ft)3000
climb_minutesClimbing Time(min)90
elevation_mDerived value= elevation_ft * 0.3048calculated

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

| Activity | Typical 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 running | 600-1,200 m/hr | | Mountaineering | 200-400 m/hr |

Worked Example

Gained 3,000 ft in 90 minutes of climbing.

elevation_ft = 3000climb_minutes = 90
  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.

Ready to run the numbers?

Open Elevation Gain Rate Calculator