# Swimming Time Converter (SCY, SCM, LCM)

URL: https://speedycalculator.com/calculators/sports/swimming-time/
Last updated: 2026-10-30

> The swimming time converter converts swim times between short course yards, short course metres and long course metres for every stroke and distance, using standard conversion factors.

## Inputs

- Stroke
- Distance
- Time – minutes
- seconds
- From course
- To course

## Results

- Converted time
- Converted time (min:s)
- Difference

## Formula

```
SCY → SCM: × 1.11 · SCM → LCM: + k seconds per 100 m (freestyle 0.8, backstroke 1.2, breaststroke 1.0, butterfly 0.7, IM 0.8) · Reverse conversions invert these steps
```

## Explanation

A 25 m pool has twice as many turns as a 50 m pool, and turns are faster than swimming – so short-course times are quicker. Converting lets you compare times and enter meets with the right seed times.

### How to use the Swimming Time Converter

- **Stroke**
- **Distance**
- **Time – minutes**
- **seconds**
- **From course**
- **To course**

Results update as you type, every field has its own unit menu, and everything is calculated in your browser.

### How it works

Choose the stroke and distance, enter the time and the course you swam it in, and the course to convert to.

### Tips

- Check local conditions and safety rules before going out.
- Start with conservative equipment choices and adjust with experience.
- Every field has its own unit menu.
- Everything is calculated in your browser.

### Common mistakes to avoid

- Using estimates instead of a proper check in the water.
- Mixing feet and metres, or knots and km/h.
- Overestimating your skill in strong wind.

### Inputs explained

FieldWhat to enterStrokeChoose one: Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke, Butterfly …DistanceChoose one: 50, 100, 200, 400 / 500 yd …Time – minutesA numbersecondsA numberFrom courseChoose one: Short course yards (25 yd), Short course metres (25 m), Long course metres (50 m)To courseChoose one: Short course yards (25 yd), Short course metres (25 m), Long course metres (50 m)

## Worked example

Inputs — Stroke: Freestyle; Distance: 100; Time – minutes: 0; seconds: 55.42; From course: Short course yards (25 yd); To course: Long course metres (50 m).

Results — **Converted time = 62.32 s**; Converted time (min:s) = 1:02; Difference = 6.9 s.

## Key terms

- **SCY / SCM / LCM**: Short course yards, short course metres, long course metres.

## FAQ

**Why are short course times faster?**
More turns and push-offs, which are faster than swimming.

**Are conversions exact?**
No – they are averages; individual swimmers differ.

**What about the 500 yd vs 400 m?**
Distance conversions between them are approximate.

**Which course is used at the Olympics?**
Long course (50 m).


## Sources

- [USA Swimming – Time conversion factors](https://www.usaswimming.org/)
- [World Aquatics – Swimming rules](https://www.worldaquatics.com/rules)