Running Age-Grade Percentage Calculator
Score any race time as an age-grade percentage against the age- and sex-standard time, so a 55-year-old and a 25-year-old can be compared fairly.
How it works
Age-grade % = Age-standard time ÷ Your time × 100
Age grading levels the field between runners of different ages and sexes by dividing the age/sex world-standard time for your distance by your actual time. Because the standard already reflects what an age-group world-beater would run, 100% is a world-record-equivalent performance regardless of age. This lets a 60-year-old’s 5K be compared directly to a 20-year-old’s marathon — the higher percentage is the better performance for that person.
Worked example
If the age/sex standard for your 5K is 15:30 (15.5 minutes) and you run 25:30 (25.5 minutes), your age grade is 15.5 ÷ 25.5 × 100 = 60.8% — solid local-class running.
Sources: Age grading — Wikipedia
Frequently asked questions
Where do I get the age-standard time?
From the World Masters Athletics (WMA) age-grading tables, which list a standard time for every distance, sex and single year of age. Race timers and sites like the WMA calculator publish them; plug your distance/age/sex standard into this field.
What age grade is considered good?
Roughly 60% is a solid local runner, 70% is regional class, 80% is national class and 90%+ is world class. Elite masters athletes routinely age-grade above 90%.
Why can two very different times give the same age grade?
Because each is measured against its own age/sex/distance standard. A fast time by a young runner and a slower time by an older runner can both land at, say, 80% if each is 80% of its respective standard — that is exactly the point of age grading.
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This calculator is for educational purposes. Double-check important results before acting on them.