Cycling Power-to-Weight Calculator
Example: Functional threshold power (FTP): 250 watts · Bodyweight: 75 kg
| Power-to-weight ratio | 3.33 |
| FTP used | 250 |
Worked example
A rider with a 250-watt functional threshold power weighing 75 kilograms has a power-to-weight ratio of 250 / 75 = 3.33 watts per kilogram. That is a strong recreational number. Losing weight or raising FTP both push the ratio up, and on a long climb the rider at 3.33 W/kg will drop a stronger-in-absolute-terms rider who only manages 2.8 W/kg.
Frequently asked questions
What is FTP and how do I find mine?
Functional threshold power is the highest average power you can hold for about an hour, and it anchors most cycling training. Riders estimate it with a 20-minute test, taking roughly 95% of that effort average power. Enter your best FTP estimate to get an accurate ratio.
Why does power-to-weight matter more than raw watts?
On flat ground raw power dominates because you are mostly fighting air resistance, but the moment the road climbs you also fight gravity, which scales with your mass. That is why on hills a lighter rider with the same watts pulls ahead, and why watts per kilogram is the climbing metric.
How do I improve my watts per kilogram?
You can raise the ratio two ways: increase power through structured training that lifts your FTP, or reduce weight while preserving that power. Doing both is the fastest route, but never cut weight so aggressively that your power falls, since that can leave the ratio flat or worse.
What is a good watts-per-kilogram number?
The answer varies with your goals, but broadly, casual riders often sit around 2 to 3, strong amateurs push past 4, and elite professionals exceed 5 at threshold. Rather than chasing a category, track your own ratio over a season to confirm your training is working.