Enter the watts and the total weight into the Calculator. The calculator will evaluate the Watts per Kilo. 

Watts per Kilo Formula

WPK = W / K

Variables:

  • WPK is the Watts per Kilo (W/kg)
  • W (watts) is the watts
  • K (kg) is the total weight

To calculate Watts per Kilo, simply divide the watts by the total weight in kilograms.

How to Calculate Watts per Kilo?

The following steps outline how to calculate the Watts per Kilo.


  1. First, determine the watts. 
  2. Next, determine the total weight. 
  3. Next, gather the formula from above = WPK = W / K.
  4. Finally, calculate the Watts per Kilo.
  5. After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.

Example Problem : 

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

watts = 589

total weight = 324

FAQs

What are watts per kilo (W/kg) used for?

Watts per kilo (W/kg) is a measure of power-to-weight ratio. It’s commonly used in sports science to quantify an athlete’s performance, especially in cycling and running, where it helps in assessing the efficiency of an athlete relative to their body weight.

Why is it important to calculate watts per kilo?

Calculating watts per kilo is important because it provides a standardized way to compare the power output of athletes of different weights. It’s a crucial metric in sports where weight and power significantly impact performance, allowing for fair comparisons and targeted training programs.

Can watts per kilo be improved?

Yes, watts per kilo can be improved through targeted training and dietary adjustments. Increasing power output through strength and endurance training, while maintaining or reducing body weight, can lead to improvements in the watts per kilo ratio. However, it’s essential to approach this in a healthy and sustainable manner.

How does body weight affect watts per kilo?

Body weight directly affects the watts per kilo ratio. For a given power output, a lighter athlete will have a higher watts per kilo ratio than a heavier athlete. This is why weight management is a critical aspect for athletes in sports where power-to-weight ratio is a key performance indicator.