Cycling Wattage Calculator
Calculate cycling power requirements based on speed, position, terrain, and environmental conditions
Calculate Cycling Power
Include bike, wheels, and gear weight
Lower CdA = more aerodynamic
Positive = headwind, Negative = tailwind
Positive = uphill, Negative = downhill
Above sea level
Power Requirements
Force Breakdown
Energy Consumption
Based on 24% human efficiency
Power Analysis
Example Calculation
Road Cyclist Example
Rider: 70 kg cyclist
Bike: 8 kg road bike
Speed: 35 km/h
Position: Hoods (CdA = 0.324)
Surface: Asphalt (Crr = 0.0063)
Conditions: Flat ground, no wind
Expected Result
Approximately 200W power required
Power-to-weight ratio: 2.9 W/kg
Performance level: Recreational to Amateur
Power-to-Weight Standards
Professional
Elite competitive cyclists
Amateur
Competitive club riders
Recreational
Regular cycling enthusiasts
Beginner
New to cycling
Riding Position Impact
Lower CdA values mean less aerodynamic drag and lower power requirements at speed
Performance Tips
Aerodynamics matter most at high speeds
Weight matters most on hills
Maintain your chain for efficiency
Use aerobars for time trials
Understanding Cycling Power
What is Cycling Wattage?
Cycling wattage is the power you produce with your legs to propel your bike forward. It's measured in watts and represents the rate of energy transfer from your muscles to the bike's drivetrain.
Forces You Must Overcome
- •Gravity: When climbing hills
- •Rolling resistance: Tire friction with the road
- •Aerodynamic drag: Air resistance (increases with speed²)
- •Drivetrain losses: Chain and pulley friction
Power Formula
P = (Fg + Fr + Fa) × v / (1 - loss)
- P: Power output (watts)
- Fg: Gravitational force (newtons)
- Fr: Rolling resistance force (newtons)
- Fa: Aerodynamic drag force (newtons)
- v: Speed (m/s)
- loss: Drivetrain power losses (%)
Key insight: Aerodynamic drag increases with the square of speed, making it the dominant force at higher speeds.