Wingate Test Power Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the wingate test power calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

Formulas Used

Mean Power

mean_power = total_work_j / 30

Fatigue Index

fatigue_index = (peak_power_w - lowest_power_w) / peak_power_w * 100

Relative Peak Power

peak_power_per_kg = peak_power_w / body_mass_kg

Relative Mean Power

mean_power_per_kg = total_work_j / 30 / body_mass_kg

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
peak_power_wPeak Power (highest 5-sec)(W)900
lowest_power_wLowest Power (last 5-sec)(W)500
total_work_jTotal Work Done(J)21000
body_mass_kgBody Mass(kg)75

How It Works

The Wingate Anaerobic Test

The Wingate test is a 30-second all-out effort on a cycle ergometer used to measure anaerobic power and capacity.

Key Metrics

Mean Power = Total Work / 30 seconds

Fatigue Index = (Peak Power - Lowest Power) / Peak Power x 100%

Peak power reflects phosphocreatine (PCr) system capacity, mean power reflects glycolytic capacity, and fatigue index shows how well power is sustained.

Worked Example

A 75 kg athlete records 900 W peak, 500 W minimum, and 21,000 J total work.

peak_power_w = 900lowest_power_w = 500total_work_j = 21000body_mass_kg = 75
  1. 01Mean power = 21,000 / 30 = 700 W
  2. 02Fatigue index = (900 - 500) / 900 x 100 = 44.4%
  3. 03Relative peak power = 900 / 75 = 12.0 W/kg
  4. 04Relative mean power = 700 / 75 = 9.3 W/kg

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good Wingate peak power?

For males: Elite 12+ W/kg, Trained 10-12, Average 8-10. For females: Elite 9+, Trained 7-9, Average 6-7 W/kg.

What does fatigue index tell you?

A low fatigue index (30-40%) indicates good anaerobic endurance. A high index (50-60%+) suggests the athlete relies heavily on the phosphocreatine system and fatigues quickly.

How often can I do the Wingate test?

It is extremely demanding. Allow at least 48-72 hours of rest between tests. Testing every 4-8 weeks is sufficient for monitoring progress.

Ready to run the numbers?

Open Wingate Test Power Calculator