Swim Pace Calculator
Pool pace, open-water estimate, triathlon swim projections — from a single per-100 input.
METHODOLOGY
How this calculator works
Swim pace conversion is direct unit math (100 m vs 100 yd vs total time). Triathlon swim projection assumes a typical wetsuit-permitted open-water performance penalty of 5–10 % over pool times.
FAQ
Frequently asked
- What's the difference between SCY, SCM, and LCM pools?
- SCY (Short Course Yards) is a 25-yard pool, common in the US. SCM (Short Course Meters) is a 25-meter pool. LCM (Long Course Meters) is a 50-meter pool used in Olympics. Times are fastest in SCY due to more turns and wall pushes.
- How much slower is open water swimming?
- Open water swimming is typically 10-15% slower than pool swimming due to sighting, currents, waves, and no wall pushes. Our converter uses a 12% adjustment factor as a reasonable average.
- What is CSS (Critical Swim Speed)?
- CSS is your threshold swim pace — the fastest pace you can sustain without significant fatigue. It's calculated from your 200m and 400m time trials and is roughly equivalent to your T-pace for swim training.
- How do I convert my pool time for triathlon?
- First, convert your pool pace to LCM (50m pool) equivalent, then add 10-15% for open water conditions. Our calculator does this automatically and projects your swim leg time for all triathlon distances.
- What's a good swim pace for triathlon?
- For Sprint distance: 2:00-2:30/100m is average. For Ironman: 1:45-2:15/100m is typical for age groupers. Open water conditions can add significant time, so train in open water when possible.