How to Calculate Ftp Cycling
What is Ftp Cycling?
Functional Threshold Power (FTP) is the highest average power output a cyclist can sustain for approximately 60 minutes. It is the foundation of cycling training zones and the primary measure of competitive cycling performance.
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1Standard FTP test: 20-minute all-out effort; FTP = 95% of 20-minute average power
- 2Alternatively: 60-minute maximum effort (direct FTP)
- 3Ramp test: 3-minute steps increasing by 20W; FTP ≈ 75% of peak 1-minute power
- 4W/kg (watts per kg bodyweight) allows comparison between riders of different sizes
Worked Examples
Input
20-min test: 280W average
Result
FTP = 266W
280 × 0.95 = 266W