What is Watts per Kilogram?
Watts per kilogram (W/kg) is your power-to-weight ratio, calculated by dividing your FTP in watts by your body weight in kilograms. It is the single most important metric for climbing performance and the most meaningful way to compare power output across athletes of different sizes.
Typical benchmarks for male cyclists: beginners 1.5 to 2.5 W/kg, trained amateurs 2.5 to 3.5, competitive racers 3.5 to 4.5, elite domestic riders 4.5 to 5.5, and WorldTour professionals 5.5 to 7.0+ W/kg. Female benchmarks are approximately 10 to 15% lower at equivalent training levels.
Improving W/kg can come from two directions: increasing FTP through training, or reducing body weight while maintaining power. For most amateur cyclists, the biggest gains come from training more consistently rather than losing weight. Chasing low body weight below a healthy level will eventually reduce power and impair recovery.