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Optical and radar satellite imagery each have distinct strengths, so neither is universally “better�—the right choice depends on your specific application, budget, and timing needs. Optical sensors capture high-resolution, true-color images that are intuitive to interpret, while radar sensors can see through clouds and work day or night, making them essential for monitoring in adverse weather or polar regions. This article compares the two technologies across resolution, cost, use cases, and limitations to help you decide which one fits your project.

Formula

The calculator above computes your average pace and speed from a given finish time and distance. The formulas are:

• Pace = finish time (minutes) ÷ distance (km) → result in min/km
• Speed = distance (km) ÷ (finish time (minutes) ÷ 60) → result in km/h

Variables:

• t – finish time in minutes (e.g., 50 min)
• d – distance in kilometers (e.g., 10 km)

Pace tells you how long it takes to cover one kilometer; speed tells you how many kilometers you cover in one hour. Both are standard metrics for runners, cyclists, and walkers.

Worked Example

Using the default values: finish time = 50 minutes, distance = 10 km.

1. Pace: 50 min ÷ 10 km = 5.0 min/km
2. Speed: 10 km ÷ (50 min ÷ 60) = 10 ÷ 0.8333 = 12.0 km/h

The calculator shows a pace of 5.00 min/km and a speed of 12.00 km/h. This means you run each kilometer in 5 minutes, which equals 12 kilometers per hour.

When to Use This Calculator

Use this tool whenever you have a finish time and distance and want to know your average pace or speed. It’s handy for:

• Planning race splits (e.g., target a 5:00 min/km pace for a 10K)
• Comparing training runs of different distances
• Estimating how long a longer distance will take at your current pace

For example, if you run 5 km in 30 minutes, your pace is 6:00 min/km, and your speed is 10 km/h. You can then predict a 10 km time of about 60 minutes, assuming you maintain the same pace.

How to Read the Results

Pace is expressed in minutes per kilometer (min/km). A lower number means faster running (e.g., 4:30 min/km is faster than 5:00 min/km). Speed is expressed in kilometers per hour (km/h); a higher number is faster. For those using miles, convert: 1 km ≈ 0.621 miles. So 5:00 min/km ≈ 8:03 min/mile, and 12 km/h ≈ 7.46 mph.

Note that pace and speed are inversely related: if your pace decreases (you run faster), your speed increases. The calculator gives both so you can use whichever metric your training plan or app references.

Common Mistakes and Limitations

• Unit mix-ups: Entering distance in miles but time in minutes will give a pace in min/mile, but the calculator assumes kilometers. Convert miles to km (multiply by 1.60934) or use the result with that in mind.
• Rounding: The calculator rounds to two decimals. For pace, 5.00 min/km means exactly 5:00; 5.33 min/km means 5 minutes and 20 seconds (0.33 min × 60 s).
• Assumes constant pace: Real runs have hills, stops, and variable effort. The result is an average, not a prediction of instantaneous speed.
• Distance accuracy: GPS or track measurements can vary. A slightly off distance will change the pace proportionally.

For most recreational and training purposes, this arithmetic is sufficient. For race planning, consider wind, elevation, and fatigue—factors the formula cannot account for.

Alternatives and Related Metrics

If you have a target pace and want to know your finish time, rearrange the formula: Time (min) = Pace (min/km) × Distance (km). For example, a 5:30 min/km pace over 21.1 km (half marathon) gives 116.05 minutes, or about 1:56:03. Similarly, if you know speed and distance, time = distance ÷ speed × 60.

Some runners also track cadence (steps per minute) or heart rate, but those are separate metrics. This calculator focuses purely on the time-distance relationship, which is the foundation of most training plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I convert pace from min/km to min/mile?

Multiply the pace in min/km by 1.60934. For example, 5:00 min/km × 1.60934 = 8:02.8 min/mile. Conversely, divide min/mile by 1.60934 to get min/km.

What is a good running pace for a beginner?

There’s no single “good� pace—it depends on age, fitness, and experience. A common starting point is 7:00–8:00 min/km (about 11:15–12:52 min/mile) for a comfortable jog. As fitness improves, pace naturally decreases.

Can I use this calculator for cycling or walking?

Yes, the math works for any activity where you cover a distance over time. For cycling, you might prefer speed in km/h, which the calculator provides. For walking, pace in min/km is commonly used.

Why does the calculator show pace in minutes but not seconds?

The output is in decimal minutes (e.g., 5.33 min). To convert to minutes and seconds, multiply the decimal part by 60. So 5.33 min = 5 min + 0.33×60 = 5 min 20 sec. Many apps display pace as 5:20, but the decimal form is easier for calculations.

What if I run on a treadmill and the distance is in miles?

Convert miles to kilometers first (multiply by 1.60934) or enter the distance in miles and interpret the pace as min/mile, but note the speed will be in miles per hour, not km/h. The calculator assumes km, so be consistent.

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in t | Finish time | min | 50 | 0
in d | Distance | km | 10 | 0 | 100000
out pace | Average pace | min/km | t / d | 2
out speed | Average speed | km/h | d / (t / 60) | 2