Marathon Pace Calculator
Pick the marathon distance, enter your goal finish time and we show the pace you need to run per kilometre and per mile.
This calculator gives general estimates for information only. It is not medical advice and does not replace a consultation with a doctor or other qualified health professional.
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The formula
Pace per km = finish time / 42.195. Pace per mile = pace per km x 1.609344.
Pace for common marathon goals
| Finish time | Pace per km | Pace per mile |
|---|---|---|
| 3:00:00 | 4:16 | 6:52 |
| 3:30:00 | 4:58 | 8:00 |
| 4:00:00 | 5:41 | 9:09 |
| 4:30:00 | 6:24 | 10:18 |
| 5:00:00 | 7:07 | 11:27 |
Even or negative splits
The surest way to ruin a marathon is to start too fast. Running the first half a little slower than the second (a negative split) or holding an even pace usually beats starting hard and fading. The calculator gives you the even pace to aim for.
Pick the right goal
A recent half marathon time is a good guide: double it and add 10 to 15 minutes for a marathon estimate. Build mileage gradually and see a doctor before starting if you have health concerns.
Examples to check
Type these into the calculator above to see how it behaves. Every result below was produced by the same calculator code that runs on this page.
| What you enter | What you get |
|---|---|
| Marathon (42.195 km); Finish time (h:mm:ss): 3:30:00 | Pace per kilometre: 4:59 /km; Pace per mile: 8:01 /mi |
| Marathon (42.195 km); Finish time (h:mm:ss): 4:00:00 | Pace per kilometre: 5:41 /km; Pace per mile: 9:09 /mi |
| Marathon (42.195 km); Finish time (h:mm:ss): 5:00:00 | Pace per kilometre: 7:07 /km; Pace per mile: 11:27 /mi |
Marathon Pace Calculator: frequently asked questions
What is pace and how is it different from speed?
Pace is the time it takes to cover a distance, such as minutes per kilometre. Speed is distance over time, such as kilometres per hour. Runners tend to use pace.
Can I rely on this result as medical advice?
No. It is a general estimate for information only. It cannot replace a check-up, and your doctor can interpret the numbers for your own situation.
Is what I enter in this calculator saved or sent anywhere?
No. The calculation runs in your browser, so what you enter is not sent to our servers. We only count, anonymously, whether a tool ran successfully.
Is this calculator free to use?
Yes. It is free, needs no sign-up and has no usage limit.
Last reviewed: October 3, 2026