The triathlon pace calculator helps athletes set realistic and achievable goals for their next race.

Athletes enter their target paces for each race segment - the swim, bike, run - and each triathlon transition - transition 1 & 2.

The calculator then crunches the numbers, calculating the elapsed time for each segment before generating the total race time.

Whether you're training for your first sprint tri or targeting a sub-10-hour Ironman, having a clear understanding of your target pace is key to a great race. Take the guesswork out of your race planning and use an accurate prediction of your finish time based on your expected speeds.

Here's how it works: Enter your comfortable pace for each discipline - whether that's your current speed or your target training time. The calculator handles all the math, showing you exactly how your race could unfold.

1. Select a triathlon distance

Just above the calculator, you'll see an option to select a race distance. Selecting one of these options will populate the triathlon calculator with the distance and units common to each distance.

For example, selecting the "Sprint" option will set the swim distance as 750 meters, the bike as 20km, and the run segment as 5km. Selecting the "Half-Ironman" option will set the swim distance to 1.2 miles, the bike to 56 miles, and the run to a half-marathon, 13.1 miles.

Note: You can specify the distance units (kilometers or miles) by switching between metric and imperial units for distance and pace. Selecting an Ironman distance race will automatically set the units to "imperial." Selecting a sprint or Olympic distance triathlon sets the distance unit to "metric."

2. Enter your target pace for each race segment

After selecting a race distance, it's time to enter your target race times or your target race pace.

If you provide a target time for a segment, the calculator will generate the pace necessary to complete the distance in the given time.

If you provide a target pace, the calculator will determine how long it will take you to complete the distance.

Note: you can toggle between imperial and metric pace units - the triathlon calculator will handle the necessary conversions.

Swim pace: Set the pace to "minute/100 yards" (imperial) or "minute/100 meters" (metric)
Bike pace: Set the pace unit to "miles per hour" (imperial) or "kilometers per hour" (metric)
Run pace: Set the pace unit to "minutes/mile (imperial) or "minutes/kilometer" (metric)

3. Enter your Transition 1 and Transition 2 target times

Think about your race holistically - shaving a minute or two off of your transition times might be easier than shaving 2 minutes off of a 750-meter swim. Creating a plan for your triathlon transitions is a great way to "race smarter" instead of "racing harder."

Short answer, yes!

Longer answer: You'll see the option to select a "Half-Ironman (70.3)" or "Full-Ironman (140.6)" just above the calculator. Selecting on of these options will populate the calculator with the distances for each race.

If you provide a target pace, the calculator will calculate the time to complete each swim, bike, and run segment.

If you provide a target time for a segment, the calculator will generate the pace that you need to maintain to complete that segment's distance.

Craft your Ironman race-day strategy:

• Calculate your Ironman swim pace
• Predict your Ironman bike time based on your speed
• Determine your Ironman run pace
• Hone your target transition times

Work backwards from your target race times to calibrate your training. Setting realistic goals and a focused training plan will help you avoid injury and burnout.

As the most popular multisport, you'll regularly encounter a few common distances when registering for an event.

The most popular short-course triathlon distances are the "Sprint" and "Olympic" distance.

The popular "Ironman" triathlon brand has helped standardize long-course events. In the triathlon community, the "70.3" and "140.6" serve as ubiquitous designations for the company's "half" and "full" triathlon distances. The company puts on events around the world, which helps familiarize athletes with these distances.

Many local short-course races use non-standard distances. Don't be confused - while they may be labeled as a "sprint" triathlon, the swim, bike, or run distances may differ. This helps support the organizers' facilities or local course constraints.

There are the four most common triathlon race distances:

Short answer, yes!

Long answer: we use manual quality assurance and automated software testing processes to ensure that the triathlon calculator's core functionality - estimating your swim, bike, and run times - remains accurate.

Factors like fatigue, course terrain, and race-day weather can all impact your actual speeds. These considerations are outside of the triathlon calculator's control. Consistent, dedicated training is key to achieving your race target times.Use the calculator to guide your training and preparation.

We welcome feedback! Please let us know if you run into any issues while using the triathlon calculator app.