What this result means
Forward age grading asks how good a time is. Reverse asks what time you need for a target percent. Enter age, comparison category, distance, and a target such as 70% (often called strong regional) or 80% (national class as a convention).
The output is still an estimate from a table, not a qualifying standard. Hitting that clock on a downhill course is not the same as hitting it on a certified flat 5K.
A 40-year-old aiming at 70% on 5K gets a slower clock than a 25-year-old aiming at 70%, because the elite standard slows with age. The same 70% on a marathon is a different conversation from 70% on a 5K.
If you already have a time, use the age-grading calculator. If you want a friendly band name for a time you already ran, use How Good Is My Running Time?
Calculation method
Clock = open standard ÷ (factor × target percent / 100). Same factors and open standards as forward age grading. Bands use the same 90/80/70/60 cut-points.
Cite: WMA 2015 interpolated subset on this site.
Target percents above what you can train for are just numbers. The tool will still compute 95%. That does not make 95% a sensible next 5K.
Frequently asked questions
What time is 70% age grade for my 5K?
It depends on age and category. Enter those plus 70% on this page. 70% is a conventional “regional” label, not an award.
Can I enter an open-class time instead of a percent?
This page inverts percent. The forward age-grading tool shows the open standard beside your result.
Is this a qualifying time?
No. It is a table lookup inverted. Federations publish their own standards.