Sports
Instant, private, and free
Bike Cadence Calculator.
Calculate pedal revolutions per minute from speed, wheel diameter, and gear ratio.
Set your values
Results update as you type.
Results update automatically as you type.
Use Cases
Optimize your training cadence
Determine your current cadence at a given speed and gear, then adjust to match your target RPM for endurance or sprint workouts.
Example: If you ride at 25 km/h with a 0.7m wheel and 2.5 gear ratio, the calculator shows your RPM.
Choose the right gear for a target speed
Before a ride, input your desired speed and see what cadence different gear ratios produce, helping you select the optimal gear.
Example: Find the gear ratio needed to maintain 90 RPM at 30 km/h.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How does the bike cadence calculator work?
- It uses your speed (km/h), wheel diameter (m), and gear ratio (front teeth ÷ rear teeth) to compute the number of pedal revolutions per minute (RPM). The formula accounts for wheel circumference and gear reduction.
- What is a good cycling cadence?
- Most recreational cyclists pedal at 60-80 RPM, while racers often target 90-100 RPM. The ideal cadence depends on your fitness, terrain, and personal comfort. Use this calculator to see your current cadence and experiment with gear changes.
- Can I use this calculator for any bike?
- Yes, as long as you know your wheel diameter in meters and your gear ratio (front chainring teeth divided by rear cassette teeth). It works for road, mountain, or hybrid bikes.
Tips & Common Mistakes
Tips
- Measure your wheel diameter accurately (including tire) for precise results. A typical road bike wheel is about 0.7 m, but check your tire sidewall.
- Use your actual gear ratio (front teeth ÷ rear teeth) rather than guessing. Count the teeth on your chainrings and cassette.
- For a smooth cadence, aim for 80-100 RPM on flat terrain; lower gears help maintain this without excessive speed.
- Remember that speed and cadence are directly proportional: if you increase speed without changing gear, cadence rises.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using wheel radius instead of diameter. The calculator expects diameter in meters, so measure across the wheel, not from center to edge.
- Forgetting to convert speed to km/h. If your speedometer shows mph, convert to km/h first (1 mph ≈ 1.609 km/h).
- Entering gear ratio as a decimal instead of a fraction. For example, 50/20 should be entered as 2.5, not 50 or 20.
Last updated: August 13, 2026