FTP calculator

Compute your FTP and 7 cycling power zones

FTP — Functional Threshold Power — is the highest average watts you can sustain for about an hour. It's the anchor every modern cycling plan uses to prescribe intervals, sweet spot, and recovery work.

Drop in a 20-minute test result (or a ramp test max) and we'll compute FTP plus the 7 Coggan power zones. Add your body weight for your W/kg ratio. Same formulas SportPlan uses to set every interval target on the bike.

Compute your FTP and 7 cycling power zones

FTP — Functional Threshold Power — is the highest average watts you can sustain for about an hour. It's the anchor for cycling training zones. Enter a 20-minute test result (or a ramp-test max), and we'll compute FTP and your 7 Coggan power zones.

If you don't know yet, do a 20-minute all-out test on flat road or a smart trainer.

Adding weight shows your power-to-weight ratio.

Your FTP

238 W

Your 7 power zones

Coggan/Allen classic zones — use these in Zwift, TrainerRoad, or Garmin Edge.

  • Z1 Active recovery

    0–131 W

    <55% FTP. Spin out the legs.

  • Z2 Endurance

    131–178 W

    55–75% FTP. Long aerobic rides, fat oxidation, conversational.

  • Z3 Tempo

    181–214 W

    76–90% FTP. Sustained moderate work.

  • Z4 Threshold

    216–249 W

    91–105% FTP. Lactate threshold intervals.

  • Z5 VO2max

    252–285 W

    106–120% FTP. 3–5 minute hard efforts.

  • Z6 Anaerobic

    287–356 W

    121–150% FTP. 30s–2min repeats.

  • Z7 Neuromuscular

    356+ W

    >150% FTP. Sprints, max-power efforts.

How to use this

  1. Pick a test method. Most accurate is a 20-minute all-out test (flat road or smart trainer, fully warmed up). FTP = 0.95 × average watts.
  2. Alternative: ramp test until failure, take your highest 1-minute average. FTP = 0.75 × that minute.
  3. If you already know your FTP, choose Manual and skip to the zones.
  4. Optional: enter body weight to see W/kg — the most-cited cycling fitness metric.

FAQ

Why does the 20-minute test multiply by 0.95?

A 20-minute all-out effort is slightly above your 60-minute sustainable power because the shorter you go, the more anaerobic contribution you can recruit. The 0.95 factor converts the 20-min average back to your true 60-minute threshold. Some athletes need 0.93–0.94; very fit pro athletes can be at 0.95–0.96.

How often should I re-test FTP?

Every 4–8 weeks during a build phase. After a break or illness, re-test before your first hard week back. FTP can move 5–10 watts a month with consistent training — old values give you stale zones.

What does W/kg actually mean?

W/kg = FTP divided by body weight in kilograms. It's the best single predictor of climbing performance and aerobic cycling capacity. Recreational athletes typically sit at 2.0–3.0 W/kg. Cat 1/2 racers usually 4.5+ W/kg. World-tour pros can sustain 6+ W/kg.

Can I use FTP from an indoor trainer for outdoor rides?

Yes, but be aware indoor FTP often reads 5–15 watts higher than outdoor FTP on the same bike because of cooling, wind resistance, and pacing differences. Many athletes maintain separate indoor/outdoor zone sets.

Related tools and reading

Want your FTP managed for you?

SportPlan re-computes your FTP after every field test, applies it to every cycling interval, and watches for the signal that you're ready to re-test. See your first week before you pay. €9.99/month, cancel anytime.

Methodology

Methodology designed by Ramon Curto, MSc Exercise Physiology

Ramon Curto designed SportPlan's endurance-training methodology from exercise-physiology principles. SportPlan applies it autonomously to the information you enter and the data you choose to connect; it is not ongoing one-to-one coaching or medical care.

Last revised July 2026

  • MSc Exercise Physiology
  • Endurance-training methodology
  • Connected training-data analysis
  • Block periodization · Polarized training