What this result means
Gain per kilometre normalises climb so a short steep hill and a long rolling race can be compared. It does not change your pace by itself.
Use the elevation gain calculator when you start from elevations. Use elevation-adjusted finish when you want a clock estimate from gain.
200 m over 10 km → 20 m/km. 400 m over a marathon (42.195 km) → about 9.5 m/km.
Feet per mile follow from the same ratio with kilometre–mile conversion.
Calculation method
m/km = gain_m ÷ distance_km. ft/mi = m/km × 1.609344 × 3.28084.
Exact arithmetic on the inputs you provide.
Average gain density ignores where the climb sits in the race. A late steep hill is harder than an early one for most runners.
Frequently asked questions
What is a hilly 10K?
There is no universal cutoff. Many road 10Ks sit under 10 m/km of gain; trail races are often much higher. Compare courses with this rate, then judge for yourself.
How is this different from VAM?
Gain per km is climb versus distance. VAM and vertical speed are climb versus time.
Can I use miles?
Yes. Switch units in the header. The result still reports m/km and ft/mi so both languages stay visible.
Does this predict finish time?
No. Open elevation-adjusted finish or the uphill race predictor for that estimate.