What cadence should I aim for?

For efficient road cycling, aim for 80-100 RPM. Lower cadences (60-80) use more muscular strength, higher cadences (90-110) rely more on cardiovascular fitness.

Can cadence be too high?

Yes. Above 110-120 RPM, most riders start bouncing on the saddle and wasting energy. The sweet spot for most is 85-95 RPM.

How do I improve cadence?

Practice spinning drills: ride in an easy gear at 100-110 RPM for 5-minute intervals. Over time, higher cadences become more natural and efficient.

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Cadence Calculator — RPM for Target Speed

Calculate the cadence needed to reach a target speed in any gear.

Target Speed

The road speed you want to ride at, in km/h

Chainring Teeth

Number of teeth on the front chainring

Sprocket Teeth

Number of teeth on the selected rear sprocket (cog)

Wheel Circumference

Rolling circumference in mm (700×25C ≈ 2105 mm; a roll-out test is most accurate)

How We Calculate This

Cadence Formula

Cadence (RPM) = Speed (mm/min) / Development (mm/rev)

Where Development = Gear Ratio x Wheel Circumference. This is the inverse of the speed-in-gear calculation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Calculators

Speed in Gear Calculator

Calculate road speed for any gear at a given cadence.

Gear Inch Calculator

Calculate gear inches, development in metres and speed at 80, 90 and 100 rpm for any chainring, cog, wheel size and tyre width combination.

Development Calculator

Calculate distance travelled per pedal revolution for any gear.

Gear Ratio Calculator

Calculate gear ratios from chainring and sprocket tooth counts.

Single Speed Calculator

Find the ideal single speed gear ratio for your terrain.

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Last updated: June 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify results and consult a professional bike fitter where appropriate.