Convert counted strokes or complete cycles into tempo, find the period between counted units, or estimate pace from tempo and distance per unit.
How the Stroke Tempo Calculator Works
Tempo is a frequency: counted strokes or cycles divided by elapsed seconds, multiplied by 60. Its inverse is the number of seconds between counted units.
| Mode | Required inputs | Primary output |
|---|---|---|
| Tempo from count | Counted units and elapsed seconds | Strokes/min or cycles/min |
| Period from tempo | Tempo with explicit convention | Seconds per stroke or cycle |
| Pace estimate | Tempo and distance per counted unit | Time per 100 m or 100 yd |
Strokes and cycles are different units
An individual arm entry is not the same as a complete stroke cycle. Select the convention used by the observer or device; every result label then follows that choice.
Using the pace estimate
The distance-per-unit mode multiplies stroke length by tempo to estimate speed. It is most useful for controlled comparisons, because starts, walls, underwater travel, and technique changes can make actual swim time differ.
Sources
Source: U.S. Masters Swimming, High Turnover vs. the Right Turnover, 2015.