---
title: "VDOT Calculator - Convert Race Times to Training Paces | TrainPace"
description: "Free VDOT calculator. Convert any race time (5K to marathon) into VDOT-based training paces for easy runs, tempo, threshold, and intervals."
url: https://trainpace.com/calculator/vdot-calculator
---

# VDOT Calculator (Training Paces)

Free VDOT calculator. Convert any race time (5K to marathon) into VDOT-based training paces for easy runs, tempo, threshold, and intervals.

VDOT is a practical way to translate race results into training paces. Use it to keep easy days easy and hard days appropriately hard.

- VDOT-inspired pacing guidance
- Works for 5K, 10K, half, marathon
- Useful for building workout targets

## How to use a VDOT calculator

Use a recent race time to generate training pace zones using VDOT-style methodology.

1. Pick a recent race: Use your most recent hard effort (ideally within 6-8 weeks).
2. Enter distance + time: Input the distance and your finish time.
3. Train by zones: Use the suggested zones to guide workouts and long runs.

## Frequently asked questions

### What does VDOT mean?

VDOT is a performance-based metric popularized by coach Jack Daniels. It helps runners set training paces from race results.

### Do I need a lab test to use VDOT?

No. A recent race result is enough to estimate a practical training level.

- [Calculate Your Training Paces](https://trainpace.com/calculator)

## Training pace reference

**Training paces by recent 5K time (min/km)**

| 5K time | VDOT | Easy | Marathon | Threshold | Interval | Rep |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 15:00 | 69.6 | 3:45–4:30 | 3:23–3:42 | 3:15 | 2:56 | 2:32 |
| 17:30 | 58.2 | 4:20–5:12 | 3:54–4:17 | 3:46 | 3:23 | 2:56 |
| 20:00 | 49.8 | 4:54–5:53 | 4:26–4:51 | 4:16 | 3:51 | 3:19 |
| 22:30 | 43.4 | 5:29–6:34 | 4:57–5:25 | 4:46 | 4:18 | 3:43 |
| 25:00 | 38.3 | 6:03–7:14 | 5:28–5:59 | 5:16 | 4:45 | 4:06 |
| 27:30 | 34.2 | 6:37–7:53 | 5:59–6:33 | 5:46 | 5:13 | 4:30 |
| 30:00 | 30.8 | 7:11–8:32 | 6:30–7:06 | 6:16 | 5:40 | 4:54 |
| 32:30 | 28.0 | 7:44–9:10 | 7:01–7:39 | 6:46 | 6:07 | 5:17 |
| 35:00 | 25.6 | 8:17–9:48 | 7:31–8:12 | 7:15 | 6:34 | 5:41 |

## Other TrainPace tools

- [Pace Calculator](https://trainpace.com/calculator) — training paces from a recent race result
- [VDOT Calculator](https://trainpace.com/vdot) — fitness score and equivalent race times
- [Training Plan Builder](https://trainpace.com/plan) — week-by-week 5K to marathon plans
- [Race Fuel Planner](https://trainpace.com/fuel) — carbs per hour and gel counts
- [Elevation Finder](https://trainpace.com/elevation-finder) — GPX route and climb analysis

## For AI agents

Every page on this site has a Markdown mirror at the same path with a .md suffix (for example /calculator.md), and honors an Accept: text/markdown request header on the HTML URL. The calculations here are also available as callable tools through a free public MCP server — no account or API key.

- [llms.txt](https://trainpace.com/llms.txt) — site index for agents
- [llms-full.txt](https://trainpace.com/llms-full.txt) — every page's Markdown in one file
- [MCP server docs](https://trainpace.com/mcp) — endpoint, tools, and client setup