How much speed does drafting add?

In most real-world settings, drafting increases speed modestly but meaningfully: a cyclist tucked directly behind another rider typically gains about 5–15% speed at the same effort (and 10–20% in a tight wheel or dense peloton), runners see roughly 1–3%, swimmers gain about 2–5% speed but save far more energy, and race cars can pick up about 2–5 mph in a slipstream on fast tracks. These gains come from reduced aerodynamic drag and vary with spacing, speed, group size, and positioning.

What drafting is and why it works

Drafting is the practice of following closely behind a moving object to reduce aerodynamic drag. The lead object displaces air and creates a lower-pressure wake; a following athlete or vehicle tucked into that wake experiences less resistance. Because air resistance rises rapidly with speed, the effect becomes more pronounced the faster you go.

How much speed you gain versus how much energy you save

Two ways to think about drafting are common: speed gained at the same effort, or effort saved at the same speed. For athletes capped by power or heart rate, the former is practical. For pacing and endurance, the latter can be more valuable. Aerodynamic drag scales roughly with the square of speed, and the power needed to overcome it scales roughly with the cube, so reducing drag even modestly can yield noticeable performance changes.

Typical gains by sport

The following list summarizes common, evidence-based ranges for drafting benefits across popular sports, emphasizing speed gains when the follower keeps the same effort and noting corresponding energy savings when relevant.

• Cycling (behind a single rider at 0.5–1.0 m): about 5–15% more speed at the same power; or 25–40% less aerodynamic drag. In very tight drafts (sub–0.5 m) or with an aero lead, gains can reach the upper end of that range or a bit higher.
• Cycling (inside a dense peloton): roughly 10–20% more speed at the same power for well-sheltered positions; or 40–60% (and occasionally more) reduction in drag. The benefit varies widely with pack density and your location (front row vs. mid-pack vs. gutter).
• Running (directly behind a pacer): about 1–3% more speed at the same effort; or ~2–8% energy savings. Formations with multiple pacers can increase the effect slightly.
• Open-water swimming (behind or slightly offset to a lead swimmer): about 2–5% more speed at the same effort; or ~10–30% energy savings, depending on position (hip draft vs. straight behind) and water conditions.
• Speed skating and short-track packs: roughly 3–8% speed potential at the same effort; or 10–25% drag reduction for well-sheltered skaters, higher in tightly coordinated lines.
• Motorsports (slipstream on fast ovals/straights): on superspeedways, stock cars commonly gain ~2–5 mph (3–8 km/h) when tucked into a strong draft; open-wheel series see similar order-of-magnitude slipstream boosts on long straights. The effect grows with speed and car-to-car spacing.

These ranges are typical, not absolute. Terrain, crosswinds, temperature, pack behavior, and athlete/vehicle aerodynamics can expand or shrink the benefit, especially in tightly packed groups and at very high speeds.

What determines how much you gain

Several controllable and environmental factors govern how much drafting helps. Understanding these can help you position more effectively and predict when the payoff is biggest.

• Speed: The faster you go, the larger the share of energy spent on air resistance, and the more drafting helps.
• Distance and alignment: Closer following and better alignment with the lead’s wake increase the benefit. Even small gaps reduce the effect sharply.
• Group size and density: Larger, denser groups create bigger wakes and lower turbulence for riders or runners in the middle.
• Crosswinds and yaw: In side winds, the best spot shifts downwind (echelon). Poor positioning can cut benefits dramatically.
• Equipment and posture: Aero frames, wheels, helmets, and a compact tuck reduce your own drag, compounding drafting gains.
• Terrain: On downhills and flats, drafting matters most; on steep climbs (low speed), the effect diminishes as rolling resistance and gravity dominate.

The net outcome is a moving target: identical power can yield noticeably different gains from minute to minute as wind, terrain, and group geometry evolve.

Cycling: realistic numbers and quick calculations

At club-ride speeds

Assume a rider who cruises solo around 34 km/h (21 mph) at 250 W on flat ground. Tucking behind a similar rider and cutting aerodynamic drag by about 30% typically lifts speed to roughly 37–38 km/h (23–24 mph) at the same 250 W—an 8–12% gain. A tighter wheel or bigger lead rider could push that to around 40 km/h (+15%); a looser wheel might net only 3–6%.

In fast pacelines and pelotons

In a compact paceline at 40–45 km/h (25–28 mph), well-timed drafting often yields 10–15% more speed at the same power while you sit in, with much smaller gains when you rotate to the front. In a dense peloton at race speeds, mid-pack shelter can cut your required power by 40–60% for the same speed, which, if converted to speed at the same power, translates to roughly 10–20% more speed—tempered by safety and positioning constraints.

Running: when a pacer pays off

Studies and elite attempts (e.g., world-record pacing formations) indicate that a single pacer directly ahead can reduce drag a few percent. For a well-trained runner, that often means 1–3% faster pace at the same metabolic cost. Multiple pacers or creative formations can add a small extra benefit, but positioning discipline is crucial.

Swimming: big energy savings, modest speed lift

Because water density is high, drafting behind or slightly to the side of a comparable swimmer meaningfully lowers the energy cost of a given pace—often 10–30%. If a swimmer keeps effort constant, expect a small speed bump (about 2–5%), but most athletes bank the savings to stay fresh for bike/run segments in triathlon.

Motorsports: the slipstream effect

On long straights, following cars punch into a lower-pressure wake that reduces the trailing car’s drag, letting it accelerate at the same throttle or reach a higher terminal speed. In stock-car racing on superspeedways, that often produces a 2–5 mph gain; open-wheel cars see similar effects scaled by aero setup and spacing. The gain spikes when drivers form trains or time overtakes at the end of straights.

Rules, safety, and etiquette

Drafting isn’t always legal or safe. In many triathlons, drafting on the bike leg is restricted or penalized; in road traffic, drafting behind vehicles is dangerous and illegal in many jurisdictions; and in pelotons, tight spacing demands skill and communication. Use drafting where permitted, and prioritize predictable movements and clear signals.

Practical ways to maximize drafting benefits

The following checklist highlights simple, actionable steps to capture more drafting benefit with fewer risks.

• Hold a steady line and smooth power to keep gaps tight without sudden braking.
• Match the lead’s shoulder and wheel alignment; in crosswinds, slide to the sheltered side.
• Use rotations (e.g., pacelines) that minimize time at the front and avoid surges.
• Optimize your own aerodynamics: low torso, narrow elbows, relaxed shoulders.
• Communicate: call hazards, signal rotations, and respect no-draft rules in sanctioned events.

Executed well, these tactics can convert theoretical gains into real speed or energy savings while keeping the group safe.

Bottom line

Drafting’s speed boost depends on speed, spacing, and pack dynamics. Expect roughly 5–15% more speed in typical cycling drafts behind one rider (10–20% in tight wheels or dense packs), around 1–3% in running, a modest 2–5% in open-water swimming with larger energy savings, and a few mph in motorsports. The faster you go and the better you position, the bigger the payoff—provided it’s legal and safe to do so.

Summary

Drafting reduces aerodynamic drag, translating to measurable performance gains that grow with speed and proximity. Typical outcomes: cyclists gain 5–15% speed behind a single rider and 10–20% in strong shelter; runners gain 1–3%; swimmers gain 2–5% speed but save 10–30% energy; and race cars see 2–5 mph on long straights. Positioning, pack density, crosswinds, and discipline determine how much of that potential you actually realize.

How much easier does drafting make cycling?

In road racing, bicyclists group together in a pack known as the “peloton” or a pace line called an “echelon.” Cyclists who are part of the group can save up to 40 percent in energy expeditures over a cyclist who is not drafting with the group.

How much does drafting help in running?

Drafting can provide significant benefits in running by reducing air resistance, potentially saving elite marathoners several minutes and 6% or more of their energy expenditure over a marathon distance, with larger benefits on windy days or in well-organized pacemaking formations. For a runner, the energy saved depends on the speed, wind conditions, and closeness of the draft, but even a simple draft behind one or three other runners can offer time savings. 
How Drafting Works

• Reduces Air Resistance: Drafting involves running behind another runner to exploit the slipstream they create. This reduces the frontal air resistance a runner must overcome to maintain their speed. 
• Energy Savings: By reducing drag, drafting conserves energy. Studies have shown that energy expenditure can be reduced by about 6% or more, depending on conditions and formation. 
• Tactical Advantage: Energy saved through drafting can allow a runner to maintain the same pace with less effort, conserve energy for later in the race, or make a strong final push for the finish. 

Factors Influencing the Benefit

• Speed: Opens in new tabThe faster a runner goes, the greater the air resistance and, consequently, the greater the potential savings from drafting. 
• Wind Conditions: Opens in new tabDrafting is more beneficial on windy days, as the lead runner breaks the wind for the followers. 
• Distance and Formation: Opens in new tabIn longer races, such as marathons, the accumulated energy savings can add up to significant time improvements. Well-structured formations, like the V-shaped groups used in elite events, provide the most substantial benefits. 

Examples of Potential Savings

• Elite Marathons: Opens in new tabIn ideal conditions, perfect drafting in an elite marathon could save a runner more than 6 minutes over the 26.2-mile distance. 
• Normal Race Conditions: Opens in new tabIn a typical race, even a simple draft can still offer noticeable energy savings and time advantages, though likely less than the theoretical maximum. 
• Middle-Distance Races: Opens in new tabDrafting in a middle-distance track event can save a runner several seconds per lap. 

How to Draft Effectively

• Maintain a Close but Safe Distance: Stay close enough to the runner in front to benefit from their slipstream but not so close that you risk a collision. 
• Be Aware: Pay attention to other runners to adjust your position and avoid running in the middle of two pacers, which can be less effective. 

How much faster does drafting make you?

Drafting makes you significantly faster by reducing aerodynamic resistance, allowing you to save 30-40% of your energy and maintain higher speeds or ride longer distances. In cycling, benefits range from riding 2-4 mph faster to a 3% energy saving for the lead rider and up to a 35% drag reduction for following riders in a small group, while in running, it can save around 6% of energy and minutes over a marathon distance. 
How Drafting Works 

• Reduces Air Resistance: Drafting involves riding closely behind another rider, creating a low-pressure “wind shadow” or “wake” behind them. This reduces the air resistance the following rider experiences, allowing them to move forward with less effort.

Benefits in Cycling

• Increased Speed: By drafting, you can ride 2-4 miles per hour faster than you could alone, according to the Greater Arizona Bicycling Association. 
• Energy Savings: You can conserve 30-40% of your energy, making rides more efficient and enjoyable. 
• Improved Performance: At speeds over 15 km/h, aerodynamic drag is a major force, and drafting significantly reduces it. 

Benefits in Running 

• Reduced Drag Force: Opens in new tabDrafting can reduce the drag force on a runner by creating an air pocket, which increases running speed and efficiency.
• Energy and Time Savings: Opens in new tabStudies have shown that drafting can reduce energy consumption by around 6% and can save several minutes on a marathon.

Factors Affecting Drafting Effectiveness

• Speed: Drafting is most beneficial at higher speeds, where air resistance becomes a more significant factor. 
• Number of Riders: In a group, the riders positioned further back experience greater drag reduction. 
• Wind Conditions: Wind direction significantly impacts the effectiveness of a draft. 
• Formation: The specific formation of cyclists or runners can optimize the drag reduction benefits, with seven-person inverted arrow formations providing significant drag reduction in running. 

How many watts does drafting save?

Estimates vary, but the number most often thrown around outdoors is a 30% power savings when drafting behind just one other rider. Example: you could put out 210 watts while drafting and maintain the same speed as the rider ahead of you who is putting out 300 watts–assuming you’re both the same size, weight, CdA, etc.