Comparison

VDOT Running Calculator vs VGAC

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

VDOT Running Calculator

This app helps runners and coaches calculate training paces, equate race performances, and adjust for environmental factors. Based on decades of scientific research, it provides a VDOT score to measure running ability and compare performances across different distances.

Highlights
  • Calculate time, distance, and race paces
  • Determine current training paces
  • Equate race performances across distances
  • Adjust paces for heat and altitude
  • Measure running ability with VDOT score
Features
Read full description

The official VDOT Running Calculator, designed by Dr. Jack Daniels - named World's Best Running Coach by Runner's World Magazine - and the team at VDOT O2. Thanks to over 50 years of scientific research conducted by legendary coach Dr. Jack Daniels, runners and coaches can quickly determine appropriate training paces, equate race performances and adjust for heat and altitude. Features: • Calculate time, distance and race paces • Calculate your current training paces • Calculate and compare the equivalent performances of a race result at other distances • Calculate the effect of temperature or altitude on training and race paces What's Your VDOT? VDOT is a measure of your current running ability. It assigns a score to all running performances, let's you determine your current training paces, and equates a race time in one distance to another. For instance, you can compare your VDOT score from a recent 5k result to a friend's score who just ran a half marathon. Who won? What VDOT Level Have You Reached? Input a race result or estimated performance and learn what score it reaches on the VDOT scale. Enter all your past performances to see which race result scores the highest. There are 10 levels starting at Beginner - White (Female: 34.3, Male: 36.8) all the way up to Professional - Gold (Female: 71, Male: 80).

About

VGAC

Features
Read full description

Congratulations on your self investment! your no-nonsense fitness journey is here with VGAC, and were here to support you every step of the way! Now let's get down to business and smash that goal!

Screenshots

VDOT Running Calculator4 screens
VGAC3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: VGAC at none against VDOT Running Calculator's 2. VGAC also leads on update cadence (daily vs every 4 months). VDOT Running Calculator's advantage is device support (3 vs 1). On price, ads and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. VDOT Running Calculator sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. VGAC asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

VDOT Running Calculator ships an update every 4 months, VGAC daily. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 5, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
VDOT Running Calculator versus VGAC: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterVDOT Running CalculatorVGAC
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.9 (1.6K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews73.8% of reviews—
Number of ratings1.6K — better—
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsDaily — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone
Requires iOS15.0 — better16.0
Further details — not scored
Size38 MB65 MB
Age rating4+9+
DeveloperThe Run SMART Project, LLCVictory Gym and Athletic Club Inc.

Bugs and requests

VDOT Running Calculator

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Crashes when upgrading to premium
  • Can't scroll beyond 200/400m results
  • Custom distance doesn't support metric

Requested features

4 requests
  • Expand time field to support ultras
  • Add 6k and 8k distances
  • Allow inputting VDOT score directly
  • Allow typing in times instead of scrolling

VGAC

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

1 purchases

VDOT Running Calculator

One-time1
  • VDOT Calculator Premium2 variants$8.99
None

VGAC

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is VDOT Running Calculator free?
VDOT Running Calculator is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is VGAC free?
VGAC is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do VDOT Running Calculator or VGAC have ads?
Neither VDOT Running Calculator nor VGAC shows ads.
Which is updated more often, VDOT Running Calculator or VGAC?
VDOT Running Calculator ships an update every 4 months, and VGAC daily. Most recently, VDOT Running Calculator was updated on November 6, 2026 and VGAC on November 5, 2026.

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