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
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Stroke | Choose one: Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke, Butterfly … |
| Distance | Choose one: 50, 100, 200, 400 / 500 yd … |
| Time – minutes | A number |
| seconds | A number |
| From course | Choose one: Short course yards (25 yd), Short course metres (25 m), Long course metres (50 m) |
| To course | Choose one: Short course yards (25 yd), Short course metres (25 m), Long course metres (50 m) |
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
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.
Frequently asked questions
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).