Free tool
Cycling cadence calculator.
Enter power and cadence from six short seated sprints to map your torque–cadence profile. Use the results to explore your sprint range, not to prescribe one rpm for every ride.
What is cycling cadence?
Cadence is how fast you turn the pedals, measured in revolutions per minute (rpm). This tool compares cadence with the power you produce during short sprints. It does not measure oxygen cost or determine your most economical cadence for an endurance ride.
For sustained-power testing, use the Critical Power calculator. For help deciding how your results fit your training, see our cycling coaching options.
What this does
Test with six short, seated sprints (6–8 s) in different gears. The calculator plots your torque–cadence range and shows:
- • Peak rpm: your optimal coordination point
- • Coordination band (±10%): your usable range
- • Training bands: Force on the left, Frequency on the right
- • Fatigue overlay: optional fresh vs fatigued shift
Why it matters
There is no perfect cadence. Performance improves when you produce high power across a wider band of rpm and hold that band late in rides and races. This profile shows where your range is now, and where to train it.
How it works
Step 1: Fresh. Do 6 × seated sprints, 6–8 s, no shifting. Log your rpm and peak watts for each, then plot.
Step 2: Fatigue (optional). After a long ride, repeat the same six sprints and plot again to see the fatigue shift in your profile.