Swim Distance Chart

Print this out - put it in a ziplock bag (or laminate it) and keep it with your swim drills.

Swim Distances For Racing and Training
Sprint Distance Triathlon
Swim distances will vary. Usual distance will be ¼ mile or approximately 500 yards to ½ mile or 800 yards.
International Distance Triathlon
Swim distance will vary. Distance may range from ½ mile to 1.5k or 800-1700 yards.

Olympic Distance Triathlon
Swim distance is 1.5k or approximately 1700 yards.

Half Iron Distance Triathlon
Swim distance is 1.2 miles or approximately 2000 yards.

Iron Distance Triathlon
Swim distance is 2.4 miles or approximately 4000 yards.

25 Yard Pool - this is the short distance of most lane pools
1 length = 25 yards (from wall to wall)
2 lengths = 50 yards
4 lengths = 100 yds
¼ mile = about 500 yards = 20 lengths
½ mile = about 800 yards = 32 lengths
1 mile = about 1700 yards = 68 lengths
1.2 miles = about 2000 yards = 80 lengths
2.4 miles = about 4000 yards = 160 lengths

50 Meter Pool - this is "long course" of some pools
1 length = 50 meters
2 lengths = 100 meters
¼ mile = about 400 meters = 8 lengths
½ mile = about 800 meters = 16 lengths
1 mile = about 1500 meters = 30 lenghts
1.2 miles = about 2000 meters = 40 lengths
2.4 miles = about 4000 meters = 80 lengths