The following FTP (functional threshold power) calculator will calculate your FTP and show you how you compare with others.
Results will appear here.
How Does My FTP Compare to Others?
An isolated number is meaningless when you can’t compare it to others. The following charts are simplified versions of those in Training and Racing with a Power Meter, 2nd Ed. by Hunter Allen and Andrew Coggan, Ph.D. They show the different levels of men and women.
Remember that the following figures are constantly evolving estimates and should be taken with a grain of salt. FTP is the theoretical maximum power output you can sustain for an hour.
| Rider Level (MEN) | 5s | 1 min | 5 min | 60 min (FTP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| World Class (International pro) | 22.8< | 10.6< | 6.8< | 5.6< |
| Exceptional (Domestic pro) | 21~23.4 | 9.9~10.8 | 6.2~7 | 5.2~5.9 |
| Excellent (Cat 1) | 19.3~21.6 | 9.2~10.1 | 5.5~6.4 | 4.6~5.3 |
| Very Good (Cat 2) | 17.5~19.9 | 8.5~9.4 | 4.9~5.7 | 4.1~4.8 |
| Good (Cat 3) | 15.4~17.8 | 7.7~8.6 | 4.2~5 | 3.5~4.2 |
| Moderate (Cat 4) | 13.6~16 | 7~7.9 | 3.6~4.4 | 3~3.6 |
| Fair (Cat 5) | 11.9~14.2 | 6.3~7.3 | 3~3.8 | 2.4~3.1 |
| Untrained (Nonracer) | <12.4 | <6.6 | <3.2 | <2.6 |
Here are the power numbers for women.
| Rider Level (WOMEN) | 5s | 1 min | 5 min | 60 min (FTP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| World Class (International pro) | 17.7< | 8.6< | 6< | 5< |
| Exceptional (Domestic pro) | 16.4~18.3 | 8~8.8 | 5.4~6.2 | 4.5~5.2 |
| Excellent (Cat 1) | 15.1~17.8 | 7.5~8.2 | 4.8~5.6 | 4.1~4.7 |
| Very Good (Cat 2) | 13.8~15.5 | 7~7.7 | 4.3~5 | 3.6~4.2 |
| Good (Cat 3) | 12.3~14 | 6.3~7 | 3.6~4.4 | 3~3.7 |
| Moderate (Cat 4) | 11~12.7 | 5.8~6.6 | 3~3.8 | 2.5~3.1 |
| Fair (Cat 5) | 9.7~11.5 | 5.2~6 | 2.5~3.2 | 2~2.7 |
| Untrained (Nonracer) | <10.2 | <5.4 | <2.6 | <2.2 |
If you want to learn more, I recommend reading my article about the average power.
Explanation of Rider Levels
Below is a simplified explanation of individual rider levels.
World Class (International pro)
These cyclists compete at the highest level, participating in iconic events like the Tour de France or World Championships. They are the stars of their teams, specializing as climbers, sprinters, or all-rounders, and their training and performance are second to none.
Exceptional (Domestic pro)
Domestic professionals race on the World Tour and at top national events. They’re key supporters (domestics) of the team leaders or can lead their teams in less competitive races.
Excellent (CAT 1)
Category 1 riders shine in regional and national races, like state championships or amateur classics. They’re experienced competitors who might lead smaller (continental) teams or work as reliable support for stronger teammates.
Very Good (CAT 2)
Category 2 riders focus on regional races, such as criteriums, gran fondos, or stage races. They’re serious about improving and are often strong team players, ready to support teammates or grab opportunities to compete for a win.
Good (CAT 3)
Category 3 cyclists race at the amateur level in local events like time trials or crits. They’re building their fitness while enjoying the camaraderie and cycling competition. This is also the category into which most hobby riders fall.
Moderate (CAT 4)
Category 4 riders participate in beginner-friendly races or casual group events like club races. They’re learning the ropes of racing, honing their skills, and having fun while pushing themselves to improve.
Fair (CAT 5)
Category 5 riders are just starting out in competitive cycling, often entering novice races. They’re focused on gaining experience and building confidence in a race.
Untrained (NonRacer)
These are recreational cyclists who ride for fun, fitness, or commuting. They might participate in casual events like charity or group rides but focus on enjoying the journey rather than chasing performance goals.
How Do I Determine FTP?
Determining your FTP involves undertaking an FTP test. There are many different types of FTP tests. The following table summarizes the most popular ones and their pros and cons.
| Pros | Cons | Multiplier | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8-minute FTP test Ramp test | • less demanding • more accessible for beginners | • less accurate and less representative | 0.90 0.75 |
| 20-minute FTP test (most popular) | • relatively accurate and representative | • can be demanding and difficult for some riders | 0.95 |
| 60-minute FTP test | • very comprehensive | • very demanding and difficult | 1 |
To learn more, consider checking my article explaining FTP.
FTP FAQ
Sources
- “Training and Racing with a Power Meter” by Hunter Allen and Andy Coggan