To calculate pace, divide total time by distance. If you run 5 km in 30 minutes, pace is 30 ÷ 5 = 6 minutes per kilometre. If you walk 3 miles in 45 minutes, pace is 15 minutes per mile.
Step-by-step method
Write down the total distance.
Write down the total time.
Convert time into minutes or seconds if needed.
Divide time by distance.
Convert decimals back into minutes and seconds.
Examples
Activity
Distance
Time
Pace
Run
5 km
25 min
5:00 / km
Run
10 km
55 min
5:30 / km
Walk
3 miles
48 min
16:00 / mile
Cycle
20 km
50 min
2:30 / km
Handling decimals
If pace is 5.5 minutes per km, the .5 minute equals 30 seconds. So 5.5 becomes 5:30 per km. This conversion is where many manual pace calculations go wrong.
Elapsed time vs moving time
Elapsed time includes stops. Moving time excludes pauses. For races, elapsed time usually matters. For training analysis, moving time can help understand actual movement pace. Be clear which one you are using.
Common mistakes
Forgetting to convert seconds correctly.
Mixing miles and kilometres.
Using moving time when race time matters.
Rounding too early.
Comparing routes with different elevation or terrain.
Practical takeaway
A pace calculator saves time and avoids conversion errors. Manual calculation is still useful because it helps you understand what the number means and spot unrealistic results.
FAQ
What is the pace formula?
Pace = total time divided by distance.
How do I calculate minutes per kilometre?
Divide total minutes by kilometres.
How do I calculate minutes per mile?
Divide total minutes by miles.
What if I have hours, minutes, and seconds?
Convert the full time into minutes or seconds first, then divide by distance.
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