Pace settings
Choose the mode, distance, target, and audio interval.
Pace Timer (Running & Rowing)
Set pace or finish time, then follow a large countdown with distance and interval beep context below it.
How it works
Pace Timer is a practical pacing tool for steady efforts. You set a distance and a target pace (or a finish time), then follow a clear countdown that stays readable on any device. Optional interval beeps help you check your splits without constantly looking at the screen.
This page is built for one common problem: you know the effort you want (a pace or split), but it is annoying to keep doing the math during a run or a rowing piece. Pace Timer turns your inputs into a single target countdown and shows two helpful references on the display: your finish time target and a live “should be at” distance estimate based on elapsed time.
You can use it in two ways. If you already know the pace you want to hold, enter Target pace. If you have a goal finish time, switch to Finish time and let the tool compute the pace you need for the selected distance. Both approaches produce the same end result: a countdown to your target finish with clear units (min/km, min/mi, or /500m) and optional beep reminders.
Running mode supports km or miles. Rowing mode uses meters and a standard split per 500m. Fullscreen mode is available when you want large digits and minimal distractions, such as a treadmill, a rowing machine display shelf, or a shared screen during practice.
Pick Running for min/km or min/mi, or Rowing for /500m split.
Running uses km or mi. Rowing uses meters. The finish time is calculated from distance and pace (or directly from finish time).
Enter a target pace like 5:00 /km or 2:10 /500m, or enter a finish time like 52:00.
Turn Sound on for interval cues, then use Fullscreen for a big, glanceable display.
Examples with real numbers
These scenarios are written to match what you will actually type and what the timer will show. Copy them directly to confirm your setup.
You want a clean 5K at a steady pace with a split reminder every kilometer.
You want a 2K with a consistent split and a reminder every 500m.
You care about the finish time more than the pace. You want the tool to compute the required pace and then guide the effort.
You are working in miles and want a simple target for a short time trial style effort.
Details that prevent common mistakes
Running pace is tied to km or miles. If you switch km to mi, the meaning of “5:00” changes. Set your unit first, then enter the pace you intend to train. For rowing, pace is always per 500m.
If the Finish number looks wrong, double-check distance and unit before changing the pace.
Beep every is not time-based. It cues by distance progress. For running, it is in km or miles. For rowing, it is in 500m multiples. If you want more frequent checks, use 0.5 (half a km or half a mile), or 0.25 for quarter units.
If you prefer zero audio, turn Sound off and rely on the display.
Technical notes (timing behavior, audio, fullscreen)Optional troubleshooting and behavior details▼
The timer runs from a target end time while active. Normal tab switches and brief pauses in rendering may make the animation look less smooth, but remaining time is still computed from the end time when the page is active again.
Some browsers block audio until you interact with the page. If Test beep does nothing, click Start once with Sound enabled, confirm the tab is not muted, and verify device volume.
Fullscreen uses the browser fullscreen API. Some devices require a direct click to enter fullscreen, and Esc exits fullscreen on desktop. Fullscreen is designed for readability and minimal UI. If you want a pure big-clock page without pace features, use the dedicated fullscreen timer.
The “should be at” value is calculated from elapsed time and your target pace. It is intended as an on-screen pacing reference, not a replacement for GPS, erg metrics, or event split data. If you pause, the estimate pauses with you because elapsed time pauses.
Keyboard shortcuts
Click the pace timer card once, then use the shortcuts below. Shortcuts won’t trigger while you’re typing in an input field.
| Key | Action |
|---|---|
| Space | Start / pause |
| R | Reset to the current target |
| F | Toggle fullscreen |
Common scenarios
A pace-based countdown for running and rowing with pace or finish-time input, interval beeps, fullscreen mode, and keyboard shortcuts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Pace Timer?
How do I use it for running vs rowing?
Should I enter a target pace or a finish time?
What formats can I type for pace and finish time?
What distance should I enter?
What does “Finish” mean on the display?
What does “At this pace, you should be at …” mean?
How do interval beeps work?
Why don’t I hear beeps?
How do I start, pause, or reset?
How do I use fullscreen mode?
Why aren’t keyboard shortcuts working?
What are the keyboard shortcuts?
Does the timer keep running if I switch tabs?
Which related timer should I use instead?
Does this tool send my pace or workout data anywhere?
Pace timer
Running + rowing modes • Pace or finish-time input • Interval beeps • Fullscreen big display • Keyboard shortcuts • “Should be at” live guidance
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Pace timer
Running + rowing modes • Pace or finish-time input • Interval beeps • Fullscreen big display • Keyboard shortcuts • “Should be at” live guidance
- 1) Pick mode + distance: choose Running or Rowing, then set your distance (km/mi or meters).
- 2) Set pace or finish time: enter your target pace (like 5:00 /km or 2:10 /500m), or enter a finish time to calculate the pace.
- 3) Start + optional beeps: press Start (or Space), then set “Beep every” if you want steady split reminders.
- Steady runs: lock in min/km or min/mi and follow the countdown without doing math mid-workout.
- Rowing pieces: set a /500m split for 2k, 5k, or custom distances.
- Pacing discipline: interval beeps and “should be at” help you hold a consistent effort.
- Big display timing: go fullscreen for a clean clock you can glance at quickly.
How it works, shortcuts, and notes▼
- Space: start/pause
- R: reset
- F: fullscreen
Tip: click the card once so shortcuts are captured.
- Pace examples: 5:00 (run pace) or 2:10 (rowing split).
- Finish time accepts mm:ss or hh:mm:ss.
- Running: “Beep every” is in km or mi.
- Rowing: “Beep every” is in multiples of 500m (example: 2 = every 1000m).
- If Sound is off, interval controls are disabled.
Some browsers require a user interaction before audio can play. If you don’t hear beeps, press Start once with Sound on, then try Test beep.