Calculate your FTP based on your weight and 5 Minute Power Output.
0.00watts
Estimated FTP
0.00watts/kg
FTP per kg
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I have been a cyclist for over 10 years and I built this calculator to help cyclists like you and me with training and racing.
The 5-minute FTP calculator offers a time-efficient way to estimate your Functional Threshold Power (FTP). While FTP traditionally represents the highest power output you can maintain for about an hour, this quick test protocol helps cyclists determine their threshold power through a shorter, more intense effort.
After completing your 5-minute all-out effort, the calculator will help determine your FTP by:
Your result from the FTP Calculator 5 Minute Test establishes your power training zones for cycling training:
< 55% of FTP
56-75% of FTP
76-90% of FTP
91-105% of FTP
106-120% of FTP
> 120% of FTP
Functional Threshold Power (FTP) represents the highest power output a cyclist can maintain for approximately one hour. This threshold power is a crucial metric in the cycling community, closely related to your lactate threshold and overall cycling performance.
While traditional FTP testing methods involve long periods of sustained effort, the 5-minute FTP test offers a practical alternative for calculating FTP. This shorter test helps determine your threshold through a focused, all-out effort that many athletes find more manageable.
Shorter, intense effort focusing on minute power output. Ideal for time-constrained athletes.
Progressive power increase until exhaustion. Good for tracking fitness improvements.
Traditional method requiring sustained steady state effort. More accurate but demanding.
Regular FTP testing helps track your cycling performance and adjust training zones. Using a power meter provides the most accurate data for:
To calculate FTP from a 5-minute power test, multiply your average power output during the 5-minute effort by 0.75. For example, if your 5-minute power is 300 watts, your estimated FTP would be 225 watts (300 × 0.75).
A good FTP score varies by gender, age, and experience level. For amateur male cyclists, 200-250 watts is considered decent, 250-300 watts is good, and 300+ watts is very good. For amateur female cyclists, 150-200 watts is decent, 200-250 watts is good, and 250+ watts is very good. However, FTP/kg (watts per kilogram) is often a better measure of cycling ability.
There are several methods to calculate FTP: 1) 5-minute test: multiply max 5-minute power by 0.75, 2) 20-minute test: multiply max 20-minute power by 0.95, 3) Ramp test: take the final minute power and multiply by 0.75. The 5-minute test is a good balance of accuracy and convenience.
A good 5-minute power output depends on your weight and experience level. For amateur cyclists, achieving 3.5-4.0 watts/kg is considered good, 4.0-4.5 watts/kg is very good, and above 4.5 watts/kg is excellent. For a 70kg cyclist, this would mean 245-280W, 280-315W, and 315W+ respectively.
The formula for calculating FTP from a 5-minute test is: FTP = (5-minute max power × 0.75). This accounts for the fact that you can sustain higher power outputs for shorter durations. The 0.75 factor has been validated through research and practical application in the cycling community.
You can estimate your FTP through several methods: 1) 5-minute test (multiply result by 0.75), 2) 20-minute test (multiply by 0.95), 3) Ramp test, or 4) Using your best 1-hour power output. The 5-minute test offers a good balance between accuracy and time commitment.
FTP scores typically peak between ages 20-35 and gradually decline. For amateur cyclists: Ages 20-35: 3.7-4.0 W/kg is good, Ages 35-45: 3.5-3.8 W/kg is good, Ages 45-55: 3.3-3.6 W/kg is good, Ages 55+: 3.0-3.3 W/kg is good. Remember, these are general guidelines and individual results may vary.
Your FTP is approximately 75% of your 5-minute maximum power output. This relationship has been established through research and real-world testing. For example, if you can hold 300 watts for 5 minutes, your estimated FTP would be 225 watts.
The 5-minute FTP test is considered reasonably accurate for most cyclists, with an estimated accuracy of ±5-10% compared to longer testing protocols. While not as precise as a full 60-minute test, it provides a good balance between accuracy and practicality for regular testing and training adjustments.
Choose based on your goals and time availability. The 5-minute test is ideal for regular testing and time-constrained athletes, while the 20-minute test may be more accurate but requires more recovery time. The 5-minute test is also less mentally demanding and can be performed more frequently to track progress.
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