Cycling6 min read

Cycling Calories Burned by Distance (miles)

Find out how many calories cycling burns per mile. Complete charts from 3 to 30 miles with calorie estimates for different speeds.

At a moderate cycling pace most riders burn about 40 to 70 calories per mile, so a 10 mile ride can burn roughly 400 to 700 calories depending on weight and effort. The exact number varies based on your speed, weight, and riding conditions.

This guide provides complete calorie charts for all common cycling distances in miles.

Quick Reference: Calories per Mile

SpeedCalories per mile (154 lb rider)
10 mph (leisurely)45 cal/mile
12 mph (moderate)52 cal/mile
15 mph (vigorous)65 cal/mile
18 mph (racing)85 cal/mile

Complete Distance Calorie Chart

Short Distances (3-7 miles)

DistanceLight (10 mph)Moderate (12 mph)Vigorous (15 mph)
3 miles108 cal125 cal156 cal
4 miles144 cal167 cal208 cal
5 miles180 cal208 cal260 cal
6 miles216 cal250 cal312 cal
7 miles252 cal292 cal364 cal

Medium Distances (8-15 miles)

DistanceLight (10 mph)Moderate (12 mph)Vigorous (15 mph)
8 miles288 cal333 cal416 cal
10 miles360 cal417 cal520 cal
11 miles396 cal458 cal572 cal
12 miles432 cal500 cal624 cal
15 miles540 cal625 cal780 cal

Long Distances (20-30 miles)

DistanceLight (10 mph)Moderate (12 mph)Vigorous (15 mph)
20 miles720 cal833 cal1,040 cal
25 miles900 cal1,042 cal1,300 cal
30 miles1,080 cal1,250 cal1,560 cal

Based on 154 lb (70 kg) rider. Add 10% for every 15 lb above, subtract 10% for every 15 lb below.

Calories by Distance and Body Weight

10 Mile Cycling Calories

Body WeightLight (10 mph)Moderate (12 mph)Vigorous (15 mph)
130 lb305 cal353 cal441 cal
154 lb360 cal417 cal520 cal
175 lb409 cal474 cal591 cal
200 lb468 cal542 cal676 cal

Calculate your 10 mile cycling calories →

15 Mile Cycling Calories

Body WeightLight (10 mph)Moderate (12 mph)Vigorous (15 mph)
130 lb458 cal530 cal661 cal
154 lb540 cal625 cal780 cal
175 lb614 cal710 cal887 cal
200 lb702 cal813 cal1,014 cal

Calculate your 15 mile cycling calories →

20 Mile Cycling Calories

Body WeightLight (10 mph)Moderate (12 mph)Vigorous (15 mph)
130 lb610 cal706 cal881 cal
154 lb720 cal833 cal1,040 cal
175 lb818 cal947 cal1,182 cal
200 lb936 cal1,083 cal1,352 cal

Calculate your 20 mile cycling calories →

30 Mile Cycling Calories

Body WeightLight (10 mph)Moderate (12 mph)Vigorous (15 mph)
130 lb916 cal1,060 cal1,322 cal
154 lb1,080 cal1,250 cal1,560 cal
175 lb1,227 cal1,420 cal1,773 cal
200 lb1,404 cal1,625 cal2,028 cal

Calculate your 30 mile cycling calories →

Converting Miles to Kilometers

For reference when comparing to metric charts:

MilesKilometers
5 miles8 km
10 miles16 km
15 miles24 km
20 miles32 km
25 miles40 km
30 miles48 km

When Per-Mile Estimates Are Most Useful

Distance-based estimates work best when:

  1. Planning a route - Know the distance, estimate the calories
  2. Comparing routes - Same distance, different terrain
  3. Setting goals - "I want to ride X miles per week"
  4. Tracking progress - Calories per mile at same route over time

Use time-based estimates when:

  • Duration is fixed (lunch break ride)
  • Interval training
  • Indoor cycling sessions

Factors That Affect Calories per Mile

1. Cycling Speed

Higher speeds dramatically increase calorie burn per mile due to wind resistance.

2. Body Weight

Heavier riders burn more calories per mile.

3. Terrain

  • Flat roads: Standard calorie burn
  • Hills: Can increase burn by 50-100%
  • Downhill sections: Reduced calorie burn

4. Wind Conditions

  • Headwind: Increases calories per mile significantly
  • Tailwind: Decreases calories per mile

Find your specific distance calculator:

Get Your Personalized Calculation

For exact calorie burn based on your specific weight, speed, and distance, use our main Cycling Calorie Calculator.

Conclusion

Most cyclists burn 40-70 calories per mile at moderate speeds, with a 10 mile ride burning approximately 400-700 calories. Your exact calorie burn depends on speed, body weight, and terrain. Use our distance-specific calculators for precise estimates tailored to your ride.

Disclaimer: Information provided by this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice specific to the reader's particular situation. The information is not to be used for diagnosing or treating any health concerns you may have. The reader is advised to seek prompt professional medical advice from a doctor or other healthcare practitioner about any health question, symptom, treatment, disease, or medical condition.