Enter your distance and either your split time or total time to calculate key ERG rowing performance metrics. You'll get your 500m split, total time, watts, and calories per hour — all the numbers you need to track and improve your ergometer training.
500m Split
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Total Time
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Power Output
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Calories per Hour
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Speed
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The word ergometer comes from the Greek words ergon (work) and metron (measure). An ergometer is an exercise machine that measures the work performed during exercise. In rowing, the 'erg' typically refers to an indoor rowing machine like the Concept2, which tracks your power output and pace in real time.
The 500m split is the time it would take you to row 500 meters at your current pace. It's the standard unit of pace used on rowing ergometers. For example, a split of 2:00 means you're rowing at a pace that would cover 500 meters in exactly 2 minutes.
The calculator uses the standard Concept2 formula: Watts = 2.80 / (split_in_seconds / 500)³. This is the industry-standard conversion used by Concept2 machines themselves, so the result matches what you'd see on the erg's monitor.
Total time is calculated by multiplying your 500m split by the number of 500m segments in your distance. For example, if your split is 2:00 and your distance is 2000m (which is 4 × 500m), your total time is 8:00 minutes.
A good 2000m erg time varies by age, weight, and gender. For competitive male rowers, sub-6:00 is elite, 6:00–6:30 is very good, and under 7:00 is solid. For women, sub-7:00 is elite and under 8:00 is very good. Beginners of any gender should aim to complete the 2000m and improve from there.
The SkiErg and indoor rower use the same pace and split conventions, so the core calculations remain the same. The machine type option is included for labeling purposes, matching how Concept2 categorizes these two devices in their official tools.
Concept2 uses the formula: Calories per hour = (Watts × 4 + 300) / 4.2 × 0.8604. This estimate assumes average body weight and efficiency. Your actual calorie burn may vary based on your body weight and rowing technique, so treat it as a useful estimate rather than an exact figure.
Yes. If you enter a total time and distance (and leave the split fields at zero or unused), the calculator will derive your 500m split from those values. Just make sure your total time fields are filled in and the split fields are left blank to use this mode.