Swim Time Converter – SCM to LCM & LCM to SCM
Convert your swimming time between Short Course Metres (SCM) and Long Course Metres (LCM) using a stroke- and distance-specific equivalent-time method.
Enter your time as 1:08.42 or 68.42
Why are SCM times faster than LCM?
In a 25m short-course pool you have more walls to push off during the same race distance. A good turn and underwater phase can provide speed that you don't get from simply swimming the same distance continuously.
That's why a 100m freestyle in SCM will normally be faster than 100m freestyle in LCM — although the difference varies between swimmers, strokes and distances.
How this conversion works
OXOLT uses a stroke- and distance-specific equivalent-time methodology for comparing performances between 25m and 50m pools.
Rather than applying one simple percentage to every swim, the calculation takes account of the effect of turns and the event being converted.
This means the estimated difference can vary between strokes and distances.
SCM vs LCM
Short Course Metres
A 25m pool with more turns and push-offs during a race.
Long Course Metres
A 50m pool with fewer turns and more continuous swimming.
Methodology
This calculator uses a stroke- and distance-specific equivalent-time approach for comparing performances between 25m short-course and 50m long-course swimming.
The calculation takes account of the additional turns available in short-course racing rather than assuming that every swimmer gains exactly the same percentage from swimming in a 25m pool.
Important: converted times are estimates rather than guaranteed race performances. Individual turn speed, underwater work, pacing, technique and race conditions can all affect the actual difference between SCM and LCM.
Converted times should therefore be used as a useful comparison rather than as an official competition time.