Can you average two running paces? Only when the distances match
For unequal distances, combine total time and total distance. A simple average of the displayed pace numbers can be misleading.
Pace calculator →Try an uneven pair of runs
The first segment covers 2 km in 10 minutes, giving 5 min/km. The second covers 8 km in 48 minutes, giving 6 min/km. Averaging 5 and 6 produces 5.5, but the combined distance is 10 km and the combined time is 58 minutes. The correct combined pace is 5.8 min/km, or 5 minutes 48 seconds.
Weight pace by distance
The equivalent weighted calculation is (5 × 2 + 6 × 8) / (2 + 8) = 5.8. The slower segment matters more because it covers more distance. Entering 10 km and 58 minutes into the pace calculator verifies the result directly. An ordinary average is appropriate for equally long segments, but not for this unequal pair.
Preserve the meaning of the time data
Keep moving-time and elapsed-time calculations separate. Whether stops belong in the total depends on whether you are examining movement alone or the full event duration. The overall average hides variation between segments, so retain split records if that variation matters. The speed calculator provides a second way to check totals, while the average tool is useful only after you have chosen the correct weighting.
Try the calculators
- Pace calculator
Turn distance and time into pace and speed.
- Average & median
Find the mean, median and sum of a list.
- Speed, distance and time calculator
Solve for speed, distance or time from the other two, with metric and imperial units.