Cycling Cadence Calculator
Calculate your pedaling cadence in RPM from your speed, gear ratio, and wheel size.
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Calculation Method
Cycling Cadence Calculator: RPM from Speed and Gear
Cadence is how fast you pedal, measured in revolutions per minute (RPM). This calculator works out the cadence any speed requires in a given gear and wheel size, so you can understand the link between gearing and pedaling rhythm.
How Cadence Is Calculated
Each pedal revolution moves the bike a fixed distance called development — your gear ratio times your wheel circumference. Cadence is then your speed divided by that development. Because all three factors interact, the same speed needs a much higher cadence in an easy gear than in a hard one.
What Is a Good Cadence?
Most road cyclists are most efficient at 80 to 100 RPM, with about 90 RPM a common target. A higher cadence in an easier gear spares your muscles for long efforts and climbs; a very low cadence in a hard gear loads the knees and legs more.
Using the Result
If the calculator shows an unrealistically high or low cadence for your target speed, it means your gear is too easy or too hard for that effort — a sign to shift or rethink your gearing choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most road cyclists pedal most efficiently at 80 to 100 RPM, with around 90 RPM being a common target for steady riding. Higher cadences reduce force on the legs at the cost of more cardiovascular effort, while lower cadences load the muscles more.
Cadence equals your speed divided by the distance you travel per pedal revolution. That per-revolution distance (development) is your gear ratio times your wheel circumference, so cadence depends on speed, gearing, and tire size together.
Cadence affects efficiency, fatigue, and injury risk. Spinning a higher cadence in an easier gear spares your muscles for long rides and climbs, while a very low cadence in a hard gear can strain your knees. Matching gear to cadence keeps your effort sustainable.
What is a good cycling cadence?
How is cycling cadence calculated?
Why does cadence matter?
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