As a cyclist, you may have heard the term “RPM” or “revolutions per minute” thrown around. This refers to the number of times the pedals on your bike turn in a minute. But what does this have to do with your speed?
To understand this connection, we need to first look at the concept of “mph” or “miles per hour.” This is the standard unit of measurement for speed in the United States. So, if you want to know how fast you’re going on your bike, you need to know your speed in mph.
How To Convert Rpm To Mph
But how do you convert from RPM to mph? Well, there are a few different ways to do this, but we’ll be focusing on the easiest and most straightforward methods.
Method 1: Use a Bike Computer
The first and simplest way to convert from RPM to mph is to use a bike computer. These devices are designed specifically for cycling and can give you real-time information on your speed, distance, and more.
Most bike computers come with a built-in sensor that attaches to your bike’s wheel. This sensor measures the number of rotations and sends that information to the computer, which then calculates your speed in mph.
Method 2: Use a Smartphone App
Another easy way to convert from RPM to mph is to use a smartphone app. There are a number of different apps available for both iOS and Android that can track your speed, distance, and more.
Many of these apps use your phone’s GPS to track your location and calculate your speed in mph. Some apps even allow you to connect to external sensors, such as a bike computer, to get even more accurate information.
Method 3: Use a Conversion Chart
If you don’t have access to a bike computer or smartphone app, another option is to use a conversion chart. These charts typically list the number of revolutions per minute at different speeds in mph.
For example, at a speed of 10 mph, the number of revolutions per minute might be 80. At a speed of 15 mph, the number of revolutions per minute might be 120. By looking up your RPM on the chart, you can easily find out your speed in mph.
Method 4: Use a Calculator
Another way to convert from RPM to mph is to use a calculator. There are a number of different calculators available online that can help you make the conversion.
To use a calculator, you’ll need to know the circumference of your bike’s wheel. This is the distance around the outside of the wheel. You can typically find this information printed on the sidewall of your tire.
Once you have the circumference, you can enter it into the calculator along with your RPM. The calculator will then give you your speed in mph.
Method 5: Use a Formula
The final way to convert from RPM to mph is to use a formula. The formula for converting from RPM to mph is as follows:
mph = (RPM x circumference) / (12 x 5280)
To use this formula, you’ll need to know the circumference of your bike’s wheel, as well as the number of revolutions per minute.
Once you have this information, you can plug it into the formula and calculate your speed in mph.
How to Convert RPM to MPH Using Math
Conclusion
Converting from RPM to mph is not a difficult task. With the help of a bike computer, smartphone app, conversion chart, calculator, or formula, you can easily find out your speed in mph. By understanding the connection between RPM and mph, you can have a better understanding of your riding performance and improve your cycling experience.