FTP Calculator (Cycling Power)

Calculate cycling FTP and power zones from a 20-minute power test.

By Konstantin Iakovlev · Updated April 2026 · Source: ACE

Unit

FTP

238 W

Watts/kg

3.08

Rider Category

Cat 3

Power Zones

Z1 Recovery0 - 131 W
Z2 Endurance133 - 178 W
Z3 Tempo181 - 214 W
Z4 Threshold216 - 249 W
Z5 VO2max252 - 285 W
Z6 Anaerobic287 - 356 W

Use the FTP Calculator (Cycling Power) above to calculate your results. Enter your values and see instant results — all calculations run in your browser.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

How It Works

Functional Threshold Power is the cornerstone of structured cycling, the number that tells you the right intensity for every workout and keeps you from drifting into overtraining or coasting too easily. This tool derives your FTP from a 20-minute power test and then maps out the training zones built around it. Even in 2026, with all the data modern bike computers capture, a disciplined FTP test remains the benchmark coaches trust for tracking real performance gains.

The math rests on a well-established convention: your FTP is estimated as 95% of the average power you hold during a maximal 20-minute effort. That discount exists because a hard 20-minute push sits slightly above what most riders can sustain for a full hour, the true definition of threshold. With your FTP fixed, each training zone falls out as a percentage of that figure, following the protocols coaches apply across the sport.

Results live or die on the quality of the test. Pacing too cautiously or blowing up in the first few minutes will both throw off the estimate, so aim for an even, genuinely maximal effort from start to finish. Run the test under repeatable conditions, whether that's the same flat stretch of road or your indoor trainer, so one result can be compared against the next. FTP also shifts as your fitness changes, which is why retesting every 4-8 weeks keeps your zones honest.

Example: Pro Cyclist's FTP Calculation

  1. 1 Pro cyclist 'Anya' completes a 20-minute maximal power test, achieving an average power of 330 watts.
  2. 2 Her FTP is calculated as 95% of 330 watts. 330 watts * 0.95 = 313.5 watts.
  3. 3 Anya's Functional Threshold Power (FTP) is 313.5 watts.
  4. 4 Based on this FTP, her training zones would be calculated. For instance, her Zone 2 (Endurance) would typically be 55-75% of FTP, meaning 172-235 watts, while her Zone 4 (Threshold) would be 91-105% of FTP, or 285-329 watts.

Source: ACE · Last updated: April 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good FTP for cycling?
FTP is best measured in watts per kilogram. Below 2.5 W/kg is untrained, 3.0-3.5 W/kg is intermediate, 4.0-4.5 W/kg is advanced, and above 5.0 W/kg is elite. Absolute wattage depends on body weight.
How do you test FTP on a bike?
The most common test is a 20-minute all-out effort, then multiply average power by 0.95 to estimate FTP. The ramp test (increasing wattage until failure) is another popular option that takes less time.
What are cycling power zones based on FTP?
Zone 1 (recovery) is under 55% FTP, Zone 2 (endurance) is 56-75%, Zone 3 (tempo) is 76-90%, Zone 4 (threshold) is 91-105%, Zone 5 (VO2 max) is 106-120%, and Zone 6 (anaerobic) is 121%+ of FTP.