VAM Calculator
Measure your vertical climbing speed like a pro.
What is VAM?
VAM stands for Velocità Ascensionale Media (Average Ascent Speed). It is a metric popularized by Italian doctor Michele Ferrari to express a cyclist's climbing ability in terms of vertical meters climbed per hour (Vm/h), regardless of the gradient.
Interpreting VAM
VAM is highly dependent on the gradient (steeper is usually faster VAM due to less air resistance) and the duration of the effort.
- < 600 Vm/h: Casual touring pace.
- 600 - 900 Vm/h: Good amateur club rider.
- 900 - 1200 Vm/h: Very strong competitive amateur (Cat 1/2).
- 1200 - 1500 Vm/h: Professional domestic level.
- 1500+ Vm/h: World Tour GC contender level (on steep climbs).
Relative Power Estimation
For steep climbs (avg gradient > 7%), you can estimate relative power (W/kg) from VAM using the formula:
Relative Power (W/kg) ≈ VAM / (Gradient Factor x 100)
*A common approximation is simply VAM / 200 or VAM / 220 depending on steepness.