SkiErg pace calculator

The ski machine uses the same split and watts maths as the rower. Add your split to see your power and the times it gives.

Your details

At 2:10 per 500 m

159

watts

1,000 m4:20
2,000 m8:40
5,000 m21:40
Your 2,000 m at this split8:40
Two seconds faster needs8 more watts
Calories on the monitorabout 937 an hour at this pace (set for a 79.5 kg person)
Adjusted for your weightadd your weight for Concept2's own adjustment

Drive with your hips and lats rather than your arms, and keep the damper moderate. Most people sit a few seconds slower per 500 m on the SkiErg than on the rower. Calories are an estimate either way; use them to compare sessions, not to earn food.

The working

A 2:10 split

2:10 is 0.26 seconds a metre. 2.80 ÷ 0.26³ = 159 watts. At that split 1,000 m takes 4:20 and 2,000 m 8:40. Going 2 seconds faster needs about 8 more watts.

Technique

Hips, not arms

Start tall with arms high
Hinge at the hips and crunch down
Arms finish past the hips
Stand tall again before the next pull

Pacing

Erg tips

Settle into your split after a fast first 10 to 15 seconds. Most people are a few seconds per 500 m slower on the SkiErg than the rower, because the legs do less.

Goal split and calories

What the next step costs

Add a goal split to see the watts it takes. Because power rises with the cube of speed, going from 2:10 to 2:05 per 500 m needs about 20 more watts, 12.5% more, for a 2,000 m that is 20 seconds quicker. Pick the test distance you care about and the page shows your time for it at both splits.

The monitor's calories assume a 79.5 kg (175 lb) person: 4 times watts plus 300 an hour. Add your weight and the page applies Concept2's own adjustment, which lowers the figure for lighter people and raises it for heavier ones.

Read with care

What this cannot tell you

Machine settingsDamper and calibration change splits.
ShouldersShoulder pain is a sign to check technique.
CaloriesMachine calorie displays are rough.

Questions

Common questions

What is a good SkiErg 1,000 m time?

Around 4:00 to 4:45 for many regular gym users.

Does the SkiErg use the same watts as the rower?

Yes, Concept2 uses the same pace to watts formula.

What damper setting for SkiErg?

Around 4 to 6 suits most people.

Sources

Last checked 21 October 2026. Spotted something wrong? Tell us and we will fix it.

Before you push on

New to exercise, or got a heart, lung or joint condition? Have a word with your GP or practice nurse first. Stop and get help if you feel chest pain, faintness or unusual breathlessness, and call 999 if it is severe.