Cycling Climbing Time Calculator
Estimate your time up a climb from your power and weight, plus your climbing rate (VAM).
How to use the climbing time calculator
- Enter your total mass and average power.
- Enter the climb distance and average gradient.
- Click Calculate for your time, speed, elevation gain and VAM.
Why climbing favours the light
Most of your power on a climb fights gravity, which scales with total weight. That is why a rider with high watts per kilogram climbs fastest, even with modest absolute power.
Frequently asked questions
What is VAM in cycling?
VAM (velocità ascensionale media) is your vertical ascent in metres per hour. Pros climb at 1,600–1,800 m/h on hard efforts; strong amateurs around 1,000–1,300.
What determines climbing speed?
On climbs steeper than a few percent, your power-to-weight ratio (watts per kilogram) is the dominant factor, far more than raw watts.
Related tools
Cycling Power Calculator
Estimate the watts required to hold a given speed on a given gradient, with a breakdown of where the power goes.
Power-to-Weight Calculator
Calculate your watts per kilogram (W/kg) — the number that best predicts climbing and racing performance.
FTP Calculator
Estimate your Functional Threshold Power from a 20-minute test and get your full set of power training zones.