| Athlete | Distance | Time (s) | Reaction (s) | Adj speed (m/s) | km/h |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sprinter A | 100 m | 11.20 | 0.15 | 9.049 | 32.58 |
| Sprinter B | 60 m | 7.05 | 0.12 | 8.655 | 31.16 |
| Field Athlete C | 40 yd | 4.70 | 0.20 | 8.684 | 31.26 |
- Adjusted time = Raw time - Reaction time
- Speed (m/s) = Distance (m) / Adjusted time (s)
- km/h = m/s × 3.6 · mph = m/s × 2.236936
- Pace (s/100m) = 100 / (m/s)
- For multiple attempts: mean, best, and CV% = (SD / mean) × 100.
- For splits: each segment speed = segment distance / segment time; fastest segment estimates peak speed.
- Enter your sprint distance and unit.
- Enter a single time, or enable multiple attempts.
- Add reaction time if the clock includes the start.
- Optionally add split segments (e.g., 10 m splits).
- Press Calculate to view results above the form.
- Download CSV or PDF to save in your training log.
Speed as a training KPI
Sprint speed converts a stopwatch result into a repeatable performance number. For a 100 m run in 11.20 s with 0.15 s reaction, adjusted time is 11.05 s and average speed is 9.05 m/s, or 32.58 km/h. Tracking speed avoids confusion when sessions mix different distances. Keep start protocol identical always.
Distance and unit normalization
The calculator converts yards to meters using 1 yd = 0.9144 m, then computes speed in m/s, km/h, and mph. A 40 yd sprint is 36.576 m. At 4.70 s with 0.20 s reaction, adjusted time is 4.50 s and speed is 8.13 m/s.
Reaction time and timing methods
Hand timing, touch pads, and fully automatic timing can differ by tenths. Reaction subtraction helps when timing starts on the gun or first movement. If reaction is unknown, set it to 0.00 to report raw speed. For short sprints, a 0.10 s change can move speed noticeably.
Multiple attempts and consistency
When you paste several times, the tool reports best speed, mean speed, and variability using coefficient of variation (CV%). Three 60 m attempts of 7.11, 7.06, and 7.09 s with 0.12 s reaction produce adjusted times near 6.94–6.99 s. A CV below 1.5% often indicates stable execution.
Split segments and peak speed
Average speed hides where the athlete is fastest. Add 10 m splits to estimate segment speeds and identify the best segment as a proxy for peak speed. If a 10 m segment takes 1.05 s, segment speed is 9.52 m/s. Compare early to late splits to separate acceleration and max velocity.
Using exports for coaching workflows
CSV export supports weekly dashboards, while PDF export creates a clean session report. Include surface and temperature notes to explain deviations. Over a block, look for higher best speed and lower CV at the same distance. Pair results with strength and recovery data to link training inputs to sprint outputs.
FAQs
1) Does this calculator measure top speed?
It reports average speed over the entered distance. Add split segments to estimate faster sections, and the fastest split acts as a practical peak-speed proxy.
2) Should I subtract reaction time?
Subtract reaction time when timing starts with a signal and includes the start delay. If you used a movement-trigger or video frames, set reaction to 0.00.
3) What distance should I use for testing?
Use a distance that matches your sport: 30–40 yd for field sports, 60 m for acceleration-to-max transition, and 100 m for longer sprint ability.
4) How accurate are hand-timed results?
Hand timing can introduce consistent bias and random error. Use the same timer, protocol, and surface, and rely on trends across repeated tests instead of a single number.
5) Why does the tool show CV%?
CV% summarizes run-to-run variability. Lower CV usually means more consistent execution, which helps coaches trust that speed changes reflect training rather than noise.
6) Can I compare speeds across surfaces?
Be cautious. Track, turf, road, and indoor surfaces change traction and confidence. Compare across surfaces only when notes are recorded and conditions are similar.