What is a good 20 minute FTP?
Emma Payne
Published Jan 09, 2026
The 95 per cent is a number based off averages, but for many amateurs, the power drop-off between 20 and 60 minutes can be much greater than five per cent, so those athletes might be better off using 92 or even 90 per cent.
Whats a good FTP for a cyclist?
The article claims that a typical fit cyclist might be able to crank out 250 to 300 watts as an average for a 20 minute FTP (functional threshold point) test, while the pros usually average 400 watts.
Is 20 min FTP test accurate?
Many coaches and athletes define functional threshold power (FTP) as 95 percent of the average power from a 20-minute, steady-state, all-out time trial. While this may provide an accurate FTP for about 50 to 60 percent of the population, it doesn't hold true for a large number of athletes.
What is a decent FTP score?
Overton says the average newer rider with some fitness will hover in the 2.0 range, while top cyclists in the world hover around 7.0. That number won't affect your training at all, but it's a good way to see how you compare to other riders.
How do I pace my 20 minute FTP?
When pacing a 20-minute FTP test, pay close attention to how you're feeling during the last 5 minutes of your test. If you paced accordingly, you should be just hanging on. If you're able to elevate your effort substantially at the end, it's a sure sign you didn't pace well.
37 related questions foundHow often should you do an FTP test?
Now to get to the big question: how often should you take an FTP test? We recommend every four to six weeks depending on the training plan you're undertaking. This usually allows your body enough time to adapt to your training and make measurable improvements.
How do you pace a 20 minute FTP test Zwift?
FTP test options
First, there's the traditional 20-minute time-trial test. After a warm-up, including a 5-minute effort, you perform a 20-minute interval at maximum effort. Record your average power and then subtract 5 per cent to determine your FTP (Zwift will do this automatically for you).
What is a strong FTP?
FTP in watts for males
49% of people have an FTP below 260W. 44.3% of people have an FTP of 270W or more. 6.7% of people have an FTP between 260W and 270W.
What is a good FTP Zwift?
A good FTP on Zwift is above 250 Watts for men and above 180 Watts for women. The higher the FTP the stronger you are.
How does a 20-minute FTP test work?
The procedure is actually very easy: a starting warm-up followed by a 20-minute all-out effort, where you have to ride as hard as you can. Finally, you'll have to multiply the average power registered during these 20 minutes by 0,95: the result is your Functional Threshold Power.
Is FTP 20 or 60 minutes?
FTP (60 min power) is not always 20 min power x 0.95
As previously stated, average power output for 20 minutes all-out x 0.95 is a fair estimate of threshold power. Which is considered synonymous to average power over 60 minutes all-out.
What is Matt Wilpers FTP?
“FTP” stands for “Functional Threshold Power” and is typically described as the power or output one could sustain for around one hour.
What is a good FTP to weight ratio?
Power-to-weight ratios vary across a wide spectrum. Generally, untrained riders have an FTP below 2.0 W/kg for men and 1.5 W/kg for women, while professional racers may be capable of sustaining more than 6.0 W/kg for men and 5.5 for women.
Is 200 watts good cycling?
No exact watt number is appropriate for all riders. Generally speaking, a beginner cyclist may average around 75–100 watts in a 1-hour workout. A fit participant will average more than 100 watts, and pro cyclists can reach 400 watts per hour.
Is 4W kg good?
And so is 4W/kg if you consider that 6W/kg on the major climbs of grand tours is about the benchmark for being in the first half of the field. However, 4W/kg is still better than most club level cyclists, and is literally lapping everyone on the couch. So it's a great goal to target.
How do you increase FTP?
How to Increase FTP
- Increase the duration of your weekend group rides. You need to go over 4 hours to really stress your cardiovascular and muscular system. ...
- During the week you should do 3 days of solid FTP intervals (91-105% of your FTP). ...
- Try to be rested between sessions in order to maximize the benefits of FTP work.
What is Peloton FTP?
Your FTP, or Functional Threshold Power, is the highest power a rider can maintain for one hour on the Bike. With Peloton, you'll identify your FTP via your average output over a 20-minute maximum effort test.
What is the most accurate FTP test?
TrainerRoad's preferred assessment is the Ramp test, which they argue is the most accurate for the majority of riders using their platform. The 20-minute test is more of a traditional FTP test; it includes a 30-minute warm up, 20-minute test, and cool-down.
How accurate is an FTP ramp test?
You'll find a full ramp test to be fairly accurate. Either up 5 watts per minute or 25 watts every four minutes. They take a lot longer obviously, which is why they are more accurate.
How hard is FTP test on Zwift?
The 20 Minute Test is as simple as it sounds - you ride for 20 minutes. It is a full-on 20 minute effort, at the end of which your average power will be put into an algorithm which will calculate your Zwift FTP. FTP is usually a few percent lower than your 20 minute power average.
Does Zwift automatically update FTP?
Zwift automatically tests your FTP on every ride, prompting you if an increase is detected. Your FTP value is calculated at the end of your ride as 95% of your highest 20-minute average power.
Is FTP 20 minutes or 1 hour?
20 Min test used to determine threshold power. Ftp is lower than the 20 min test. You should based your training on the 20 min test.
How do you test an outdoor FTP?
How to Calculate Your FTP By Testing Outdoors
- Warm-up for about 20 minutes. Don't soft-pedal the whole time; mix in some bursts of intensity.
- Do your 8- or 20-minute effort. ...
- Cool down for 10 minutes.
- Calculate the average power of your test effort(s) and reduce it by 5 or 10%, depending on the test you did.