Speed Figure Calculator
Calculate speed figures for horse racing performances. Compare times across different distances by converting to standardized figures.
+ = slow track, - = fast track
Typically 15-18 for sprints, 10-12 for routes
Speed Figure
100
Stakes Quality
Raw Figure
100
Before variant adjustment
vs Par
+0.00s
Slower than par
Calculation Breakdown
Speed Figure Scale
110+
Top Class
100-109
Stakes
90-99
Above Avg
80-89
Average
70-79
Below Avg
<70
Maiden
Try These Examples
Quick-start with common scenarios
What are Speed Figures?
Speed figures convert race times into comparable numbers across different distances and tracks. A higher figure means faster performance. Formula: Figure = Par Figure + (Par Time - Actual Time) × Points Per Second. A horse running 1 second faster than par at 15 points/second earns 15 extra points.
Key Facts About Speed Figures
- Speed figures normalize times across distances
- Higher figure = faster performance
- Par time: expected time for average winner
- Track variant: daily adjustment for conditions
- Beyer Speed Figures are most popular in US
- Timeform ratings used in UK/Ireland
- Figures help compare horses at different tracks
- Surface (dirt/turf) requires different pars
Frequently Asked Questions
What are speed figures in horse racing?
Speed figures convert race times into standardized numbers that account for distance and track conditions. This allows you to compare performances across different races. A horse earning a 90 at 6 furlongs can be compared to one earning an 85 at 1 mile.
How are speed figures calculated?
Basic formula: Figure = Base (often 100) + (Par Time - Actual Time) × Points Per Second. If par for 6 furlongs is 69.0 seconds and a horse runs 68.0, that's 1 second fast. At 15 points/second, the figure is 100 + 15 = 115.
What is a track variant?
Track variant measures how fast or slow the track was on a given day. If the average winner ran 2 seconds slower than normal, the variant is +2 (slow). Figures are adjusted by subtracting the variant from raw figures.
What is a good speed figure?
For thoroughbreds: 70-80 is below average, 80-90 is average, 90-100 is above average, 100-110 is stakes quality, 110+ is top class. Kentucky Derby winners typically run 110-120. Secretariat's Belmont was around 140.
How do Beyer Speed Figures differ from others?
Beyer figures use proprietary par times and track variants researched over decades. They appear in Daily Racing Form. Other systems like Thoro-Graph, Brisnet, and Timeform use different methodologies but similar concepts.