Cycling Power to Weight Calculator
Watts per kilo, climbing speed and the category it puts you in.
Enter your values
Enter the threshold power in W.
Enter the rider weight in kg.
Enter the bike and kit weight in kg.
Enter the climb gradient in %.
Enter the climb length in km.
Results update instantly as you type — no submit needed. Your values are remembered on this device, and the shareable link reopens the calculator with exactly these numbers.
- Power to weight
- 3.61 W/kg
- Rider category
- strong club rider
- Climbing speed
- 13.46 km/h
- Time for the climb
- 22:17
- VAM
- 1,077 m/hour ascended
- Total system weight
- 81 kg
- W/kg including bike
- 3.21
Working
- 1260 W / 72 kg = 3.61 W/kg
- 2climb speed = 13.46 km/h on 8%
Quick answer
Power to weight in watts per kilogram is what decides climbing speed. On a steep climb almost all your power goes into lifting your body and bike.
W/kg = power / rider kg; climb speed = power / (total kg x 9.81 x grade)
At a glance
| What it does | Watts per kilo, climbing speed and the category it puts you in. |
|---|---|
| Category | Fitness |
| Inputs needed | Threshold power, Rider weight, Bike and kit weight, Climb gradient, Climb length |
| Main output | Power to weight |
| Formula | W/kg = power / rider kg; climb speed = power / (total kg x 9.81 x grade) |
| Cost | Free — no sign-up, no download |
How to use the Cycling Power to Weight Calculator
- 1Enter your FTP or the power you can hold for the length of the climb.
- 2Add rider weight and the weight of bike, bottles and kit.
- 3Set gradient and length to see the realistic time up your local climb.
Inputs explained
- Threshold power(W)
- Enter the threshold power in W.
- Rider weight(kg)
- Enter the rider weight in kg.
- Bike and kit weight(kg)
- Enter the bike and kit weight in kg.
- Climb gradient(%)
- Enter the climb gradient in %.
- Climb length(km)
- Enter the climb length in km.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Threshold power260 W
- Rider weight72 kg
- Bike and kit weight9 kg
- Climb gradient8 %
- Climb length5 km
Results
- Power to weight3.61 W/kg
- Rider categorystrong club rider
- Climbing speed13.46 km/h
- Time for the climb22:17
- VAM1,077 m/hour ascended
- Total system weight81 kg
- W/kg including bike3.21
- 260 W / 72 kg = 3.61 W/kg
- climb speed = 13.46 km/h on 8%
Frequently asked questions
Is losing weight or gaining watts faster?
On climbs steeper than about 5%, a 1% weight loss is worth roughly the same as a 1% power gain — and it is usually the easier of the two.
What is VAM?
Vertical ascent in metres per hour. Around 1000 is a fast amateur climber and 1600 to 1800 is professional level on long climbs.
What do I need to enter into the Cycling Power to Weight Calculator?
Just 5 values: threshold power, rider weight, bike and kit weight, climb gradient, climb length. Every field starts with a realistic example, so you can change one number at a time and watch the result update instantly.
How does the Cycling Power to Weight Calculator work out the answer?
Power to weight in watts per kilogram is what decides climbing speed. On a steep climb almost all your power goes into lifting your body and bike. It applies the formula W/kg = power / rider kg; climb speed = power / (total kg x 9.81 x grade) and shows the working so you can check each step by hand.
Is the Cycling Power to Weight Calculator free, and do I need an account?
It is completely free with no sign-up, no download and no usage limit. Everything is calculated in your browser, so the numbers you type never leave your device.
Results are estimates for general information. For medical, legal, structural or financial decisions, confirm with a qualified professional.