Rowing Power Calculator Formula
Understand the math behind the rowing power calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.
Formulas Used
Power Output
watts = round(2.8 / pow(pace_per_m, 3))Watts per kg
watts_per_kg = round(2.8 / pow(pace_per_m, 3) / body_weight_kg * 100) / 100Calories per Hour (est)
cal_per_hour = round((2.8 / pow(pace_per_m, 3) + 300) * 0.86 * 4)Variables
| Variable | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
split_min | Split per 500m (min)(min) | 1 |
split_sec | Split per 500m (sec)(sec) | 55 |
body_weight_lbs | Body Weight(lbs) | 180 |
total_split_sec | Derived value= split_min * 60 + split_sec | calculated |
pace_per_m | Derived value= total_split_sec / 500 | calculated |
body_weight_kg | Derived value= body_weight_lbs * 0.4536 | calculated |
How It Works
How Rowing Power Is Calculated
The Concept2 Formula
Watts = 2.80 / pace^3
Where pace = split time in seconds / 500 (seconds per meter).
Power-to-Weight
Watts per kilogram (W/kg) is a useful metric for comparing rowers of different sizes. Lightweight rowers may produce fewer absolute watts but can be very competitive on a W/kg basis.
Benchmarks
| Level | Watts (Male) | Watts (Female) | |-------|-------------|----------------| | Recreational | 100-180 | 70-130 | | Club | 180-280 | 130-210 | | Collegiate | 280-380 | 210-290 | | Elite | 380+ | 290+ |
Worked Example
Calculate watts for a 1:55 per 500m split at 180 lbs body weight.
split_min = 1split_sec = 55body_weight_lbs = 180
- 01Split in seconds = 1 x 60 + 55 = 115 seconds per 500m.
- 02Pace per meter = 115 / 500 = 0.23 sec/m.
- 03Watts = 2.80 / (0.23)^3 = 2.80 / 0.01217 = 230 W.
- 04Body weight = 180 x 0.4536 = 81.6 kg.
- 05Watts/kg = 230 / 81.6 = 2.82 W/kg.
Ready to run the numbers?
Open Rowing Power Calculator