Split Calculator
Enter your goal finish time, distance, and split interval to get a pacing table: even splits by default, or an adjustable negative split.
| # | Distance | Split | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 km | 4:59 | 4:59 |
| 2 | 2 km | 4:59 | 9:57 |
| 3 | 3 km | 4:59 | 14:56 |
| 4 | 4 km | 4:59 | 19:54 |
| 5 | 5 km | 4:59 | 24:53 |
| 6 | 6 km | 4:59 | 29:52 |
| 7 | 7 km | 4:59 | 34:50 |
| 8 | 8 km | 4:59 | 39:49 |
| 9 | 9 km | 4:59 | 44:48 |
| 10 | 10 km | 4:59 | 49:46 |
| 11 | 11 km | 4:59 | 54:45 |
| 12 | 12 km | 4:59 | 59:43 |
| 13 | 13 km | 4:59 | 1:04:42 |
| 14 | 14 km | 4:59 | 1:09:41 |
| 15 | 15 km | 4:59 | 1:14:39 |
| 16 | 16 km | 4:59 | 1:19:38 |
| 17 | 17 km | 4:59 | 1:24:36 |
| 18 | 18 km | 4:59 | 1:29:35 |
| 19 | 19 km | 4:59 | 1:34:34 |
| 20 | 20 km | 4:59 | 1:39:32 |
| 21 | 21 km | 4:59 | 1:44:31 |
| 22 | 22 km | 4:59 | 1:49:29 |
| 23 | 23 km | 4:59 | 1:54:28 |
| 24 | 24 km | 4:59 | 1:59:27 |
| 25 | 25 km | 4:59 | 2:04:25 |
| 26 | 26 km | 4:59 | 2:09:24 |
| 27 | 27 km | 4:59 | 2:14:23 |
| 28 | 28 km | 4:59 | 2:19:21 |
| 29 | 29 km | 4:59 | 2:24:20 |
| 30 | 30 km | 4:59 | 2:29:18 |
| 31 | 31 km | 4:59 | 2:34:17 |
| 32 | 32 km | 4:59 | 2:39:16 |
| 33 | 33 km | 4:59 | 2:44:14 |
| 34 | 34 km | 4:59 | 2:49:13 |
| 35 | 35 km | 4:59 | 2:54:11 |
| 36 | 36 km | 4:59 | 2:59:10 |
| 37 | 37 km | 4:59 | 3:04:09 |
| 38 | 38 km | 4:59 | 3:09:07 |
| 39 | 39 km | 4:59 | 3:14:06 |
| 40 | 40 km | 4:59 | 3:19:05 |
| 41 | 41 km | 4:59 | 3:24:03 |
| 42 | 42 km | 4:59 | 3:29:02 |
| 43 | 42.2 km (finish) | 0:58 | 3:30:00 |
Pace band
Download these splits as a printable wristband or a phone lock screen image.
Want a full fueling plan matched to your pace? RaceFuel is coming.
This estimate uses a generic formula. Connect your Strava/Whoop/Garmin data for a version personalised to your actual training.
Get early accessWhat a split table is
A split table breaks a goal finish time into a target time at each checkpoint along the race, spaced at whatever interval you choose (every kilometre or mile, for example). It turns one overall goal time into a checkpoint by checkpoint pacing plan.
How it is calculated
For even splits, the formula is simple: Even pace = Goal time ÷ Total distance, and every checkpoint is a multiple of that same pace. If you set a negative split percentage p, the pace shifts symmetrically around even pace: First-half pace = Even pace × (1 + p), and Second-half pace = Even pace × (1 − p). Because both halves cover equal distance, the two adjustments cancel out, so the total time always lands exactly on your goal regardless of the percentage chosen.
Why runners use it
Use it to build a concrete pacing plan for race day: know exactly what time you should be at when you pass each checkpoint, whether you are aiming for steady even pacing or a deliberate negative split.
Sources and limitations: see our methodology.
Worked example
Take a runner aiming for a half marathon in 1:55:00, split every km. Here are the first five checkpoints (even pace):
| Distance | Split | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| 1 km | 5:27 | 5:27 |
| 2 km | 5:27 | 10:54 |
| 3 km | 5:27 | 16:21 |
| 4 km | 5:27 | 21:48 |
| 5 km | 5:27 | 27:15 |
Every kilometre comes out to the same 5:27 split, since this is an even-pace table. Carry cumulative times like these on a watch or pace band so you can check your actual time against the plan at each checkpoint, rather than only finding out you went out too fast once the race is already over. Once your table is calculated above, you can download it as a printable wristband or a phone lock screen image, with optional gel reminder markers, instead of copying it out by hand.
FAQ
How do I calculate even splits for a race?
Divide your goal finish time by your total race distance to get your even pace, then multiply that pace by the distance at each checkpoint to get your target cumulative time there. This calculator builds that full checkpoint-by-checkpoint table for you at whatever interval you choose.
What is a negative split in running?
A negative split is running the second half of a race faster than the first half. To pace one, run the first half slightly slower than even pace and the second half slightly faster by the same percentage: because both halves cover equal distance, the total time still lands exactly on your goal.
Is it better to run even splits or negative splits?
Even splits are the safer default and the easiest to execute, since you run the same pace throughout. Negative splits are a common strategy for experienced racers who want to avoid going out too fast, but they require discipline to hold back early. Try both in this calculator to compare the checkpoint times each strategy produces.
What is a positive split?
A positive split is running the second half of a race slower than the first half, the opposite of a negative split. It usually means starting too fast: most runners who go out faster than their goal pace fade over the second half, which is why a positive split is generally seen as a pacing mistake rather than a deliberate strategy.
How do I use this split calculator to pace a race?
Enter your goal distance, finish time, and how often you want a checkpoint, such as every kilometre or mile. This calculator builds a target cumulative time for each one, which you can carry on a watch, a pace band, or written on your arm, and check against your actual time as you pass each marker.
Can I download a pace band from this calculator?
Yes. Once your split table is calculated, you can download it as a printable wristband (sized to cut out and wrap around your wrist) or as a phone lock screen image, both generated in your browser. You can also add gel reminder markers, either every N minutes or at specific distance marks, so fueling cues show up alongside your splits.