Rowing machines display your pace as a “split” – the time to row 500 m. Because water (and the erg’s fan) resistance rises with the cube of speed, a small improvement in split needs a lot more power.
How to use the Erg
- I know
- Distance
- Time – hours
- minutes
- seconds
- Split per 500 m – minutes
- seconds
- Power (watts)
Results update as you type, every field has its own unit menu, and everything is calculated in your browser.
How it works
Choose which two values you know and enter them.
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| I know | Choose one: Distance and time, Distance and split, Time and split, Watts and distance … |
| Distance | Units: m, km, mi |
| Time – hours | A number |
| minutes | A number |
| seconds | A number |
| Split per 500 m – minutes | A number |
| seconds | A number |
| Power (watts) | A number |
What each result means
- Split (per 500 m) = [Pace (s÷m)]×500÷60
- Power = 2.8÷[Pace (s÷m)]^3
- Calories per hour (Concept2) = 4×2.8÷[Pace (s÷m)]^3×0.8604 + 300
Formula
Watts = 2.80 ÷ (split/500)³ (split in seconds per 500 m) · Calories/hour = 4 × watts × 0.8604 + 300
Worked example
Inputs — I know: Distance and time; Distance: 2,000 m; Time – hours: 0; minutes: 8; seconds: 0.
Results — Distance = 2,000 m; Time = 8:00; Split (per 500 m) = 2:00; Power = 203 W; Calories per hour (Concept2) = 997 kcal/h.
Key terms
- Split
- Time to row 500 m.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good 2,000 m erg time?
Under 7:00 is very good for men, under 8:00 for women; elites row about 5:40–6:30.
Why does watts rise so fast?
Power is proportional to the cube of speed.
Is the Concept2 calorie figure accurate?
It assumes a 175 lb person; treat it as an estimate.
What damper setting should I use?
Around 3–5 for most people.