Gradient and VAM calculator
Enter a climb's length and elevation gain to get its average gradient. Add your time to get your VAM, the metres of climbing you ride per hour.
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How average gradient is calculated
Average gradient is elevation gain divided by climb length, as a percentage. A 10 km climb with 700 m of gain averages 7%. Beware: the average hides the hard sections, so always look at the elevation profile too.
What VAM is and how to use it
VAM (average ascent speed) is how many metres you climb per hour: elevation gain divided by time in hours. It helps you compare different climbs and track progress: if your VAM on the same climb rises, you are getting stronger.
As a rough guide, a trained amateur often holds 800-1,200 m/h on long climbs, while professionals exceed 1,500. These are indicative values, not a judgement.
FAQ
- Does VAM depend on gradient?
- Yes: at equal power VAM rises with gradient, because speed on the flat matters less. To track progress, compare climbs with similar gradient (7-10%).
- How long should the climb be for a reliable VAM?
- At least 10-15 minutes at steady effort, ideally 20 or more.