What Are Watts, and How Is Watts Calculated in Cycling?

Simply put, a “Watt” (W) is a unit of power. On a scientific level, it’s equivalent to one joule per second.

Watts are most commonly calculated for cyclists through the use of a power meter, which measures torque and cadence to display power output.

Read on to find out what Watts means for cycling power, why it’s such an important element of power to understand, and how this knowledge can be implemented in your training.

Watts Per Kg For Cyclists Explained (With W/kg Calculator)

It might not fit our romantic ideal of cycling, of man against machine and mountain, but it is an undeniable truth that numbers win bike races.

And no number is more sacred, more enshrined in cycling folklore, than the power-to-weight ratio. 

Typically measured in Watts per kg (W/kg), it is a measure of the power a cyclist can generate relative to their body weight.