What this result means
A 5K is 5 kilometres, or 3.107 miles. This calculator converts a target finish time into average pace per kilometre, pace per mile, speed, and even splits. The distance is fixed so you only set the clock.
Parkrun, road 5Ks, and many track sessions use this distance. If you need a distance that is not 5.000 km, use the general pace calculator. If you want training zones from a 5K result, use the training pace calculator.
A 25:00 5K requires an average pace of 5:00/km or 8:03/mile (12.0 km/h). Even splits put you through 1 km in 5:00, 2 km in 10:00, and 3 miles in about 24:09.
A 20:00 5K is 4:00/km or 6:26/mile. A 30:00 5K is 6:00/km or 9:39/mile. Those are average paces. Going out in 4:40 and closing in 5:20 still averages 5:00, but the split table on this page assumes even running.
Calculation method
Pace is finish time divided by 5 kilometres (or 3.107 miles). Splits divide the target time evenly across each kilometre or mile. Displayed times round to the nearest second. Speed is shown to one decimal place.
This is exact arithmetic, not an estimate. A certified 5K is 5000 metres. If your GPS reads 5.12 km, that is a course or watch issue, not a different formula.
Even splits ignore the first-kilometre surge and a kick. Heat, hills, and crowds change what you can hold. The number is the average you must run, not a promise that you will.
Frequently asked questions
What pace is a 25-minute 5K?
5:00 per kilometre, or about 8:03 per mile. Speed is 12.0 km/h. That assumes even running from start to finish.
What pace is a 20-minute 5K?
4:00 per kilometre, or about 6:26 per mile. Use this calculator if you want splits for a different 5K goal.
Is a 5K exactly 5 kilometres?
On a certified road or track course, yes: 5000 metres. GPS watches often read long. This tool uses 5.000 km / 3.107 miles.
Can I use a 5K time to predict a half marathon?
Not on this page. This tool only converts a 5K target into pace and splits. Equivalent race times use the race time predictor (Riegel).