Reading the ratings
These five ratings come from Hunter Allen and Andrew Coggan’s Training and Racing with a Power Meter, and are the same bands Garmin devices use for their FTP rating. They rate FTP only. Sprint and short-climb power follow different patterns, so a rider can be Good at FTP and much stronger over 30 seconds.
Our FTP calculator uses a finer, race-category style scale, so the label there can differ from the rating here for the same W/kg.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good W/kg for cycling?
On the Allen and Coggan FTP ratings, men rate Good from 2.79 W/kg, Excellent from 3.93 and Superior from 5.05. For women, Good starts at 2.36, Excellent at 3.33 and Superior at 4.30.
How do I calculate watts per kilogram?
Divide your FTP in watts by your body weight in kilograms. 250 W at 75 kg is 3.33 W/kg. If you weigh yourself in pounds, divide pounds by 2.205 first.
What W/kg do pro cyclists have?
Top professional climbers are commonly reported at around 6 W/kg for efforts of about an hour. That is far above the Superior band, which already marks a very high level for amateurs.
Should I lose weight or gain power to raise my W/kg?
For most riders, raising FTP is the safer and bigger lever. Losing weight can help on climbs, but undereating harms training, recovery and health. If you are considering weight loss for performance, talk to a sports dietitian.
Does W/kg matter on flat roads?
Less. On the flat, absolute watts and aerodynamics matter more, which is why heavier, powerful riders often go well on flat time trials. W/kg matters most on climbs.