LCM to SCY Converter
Convert swimming times from Long Course Meters (50m pool) to Short Course Yards (25y pool)
Converted SCY Time
–:–
Quick Reference Conversions
100m Free LCM
55.00 → 48.95
200m Free LCM
2:00.00 → 1:46.80
100m Fly LCM
1:00.00 → 53.40
100m Back LCM
1:05.00 → 57.85
100m Breast LCM
1:10.00 → 1:02.30
200m IM LCM
2:15.00 → 2:00.15
How LCM to SCY Conversion Works
Standard Conversion Formula
SCY Time = LCM Time × 0.89
This accounts for increased turns and push-offs in shorter pools
Example Conversion: 100m Freestyle
LCM Time: 55.00 seconds
Apply conversion factor: 55.00 × 0.89
SCY Time: 48.95 seconds
This represents a 6.05 second improvement due to additional turns in the 25-yard pool
The conversion factor varies slightly based on stroke and distance because different strokes benefit differently from additional turns. Breaststroke typically shows less improvement between pool types compared to butterfly or freestyle, as underwater phases after turns are more limited in breaststroke.
Comprehensive Conversion Table
| Event | LCM Time | SCY Time | Time Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50m Freestyle | 25.00 | 22.25 | -2.75s |
| 100m Freestyle | 55.00 | 48.95 | -6.05s |
| 200m Freestyle | 2:00.00 | 1:46.80 | -13.20s |
| 400m Freestyle | 4:10.00 | 3:42.90 | -27.10s |
| 100m Backstroke | 1:05.00 | 57.85 | -7.15s |
| 200m Backstroke | 2:15.00 | 2:00.15 | -14.85s |
| 100m Breaststroke | 1:10.00 | 1:02.30 | -7.70s |
| 200m Breaststroke | 2:30.00 | 2:13.50 | -16.50s |
| 100m Butterfly | 1:00.00 | 53.40 | -6.60s |
| 200m Butterfly | 2:10.00 | 1:55.30 | -14.70s |
| 200m IM | 2:15.00 | 2:00.15 | -14.85s |
| 400m IM | 4:45.00 | 4:13.05 | -31.95s |
Why Times Differ Between Pool Types
Pool Length Impact
LCM pools are 50 meters long while SCY pools are only 25 yards (22.86m). The shorter SCY pool means more turns per race – for a 100-unit race, swimmers get 3 turns in SCY versus only 1 turn in LCM.
Turn Advantage
Each turn provides a powerful push-off that generates significant speed. Swimmers can achieve speeds of 3-4 meters per second off the wall, much faster than swimming speed. More turns mean more acceleration opportunities.
Underwater Phases
After each turn, swimmers can perform underwater dolphin kicks for up to 15 meters. These underwater phases are faster than surface swimming, so more turns means more time spent in this efficient underwater position.
Yards vs Meters
Beyond pool length, the unit difference matters: 100 yards equals only 91.44 meters. So a 100 SCY race is actually 8.56 meters shorter than 100 LCM, contributing to faster times.
Stroke-Specific Conversion Factors
Note: While 0.89 is the standard conversion factor, different strokes benefit differently from additional turns. Advanced conversions may use stroke-specific factors.
| Stroke | Conversion Factor | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Freestyle | 0.89 – 0.90 | Strong underwater kicking advantage |
| Backstroke | 0.89 – 0.90 | Efficient underwater dolphin kicks |
| Breaststroke | 0.89 – 0.91 | Limited underwater phase (one pull-kick) |
| Butterfly | 0.88 – 0.89 | Maximum benefit from underwater dolphin kicks |
| Individual Medley | 0.89 – 0.90 | Average of all strokes |
Related Pool Type Conversions
| Conversion | Factor | Description |
|---|---|---|
| SCY to LCM | × 1.11 | Reverse conversion: Short Course Yards to Long Course Meters |
| LCM to SCM | × 0.97 | Long Course Meters to Short Course Meters (25m pool) |
| SCM to LCM | × 1.03 | Short Course Meters to Long Course Meters |
| SCY to SCM | × 1.11 | Short Course Yards to Short Course Meters |
| SCM to SCY | × 0.90 | Short Course Meters to Short Course Yards |
Common Questions
Why are SCY times faster than LCM times?
SCY times are faster primarily because of more frequent turns. A 25-yard pool provides swimmers with more opportunities to push off the wall and utilize fast underwater dolphin kicks. Additionally, the yards-to-meters distance difference means 100 yards is actually 8.56 meters shorter than 100 meters, further contributing to faster times.
Can I use converted times for qualifying standards?
Most swimming organizations and competitions accept converted times for entry and seeding purposes. However, always verify with the specific meet or governing body, as some championships may require times achieved in the same pool type as the competition. USA Swimming and NCAA generally accept properly converted times.
Are conversion factors the same for all distances?
While the standard 0.89 factor works for most events, longer distances may show slightly different conversion ratios. This is because the relative impact of turns decreases as distance increases. For example, turns matter more in a 100m race (1 turn in LCM vs 3 in SCY) than in a 1500m race (29 turns in LCM vs 59 in SCY).
How accurate are time conversions?
Conversions provide reasonable estimates but individual results vary based on several factors: turn technique, underwater kicking ability, and race strategy. Swimmers with excellent turns and underwaters may see better SCY times than the conversion suggests, while those with weaker turns might not improve as much. Use conversions as guidelines rather than exact predictions.
Which strokes benefit most from shorter pools?
Butterfly and freestyle typically show the greatest improvement in short course pools due to powerful underwater dolphin kicks after each turn. Breaststroke shows less improvement because swimmers can only take one pull and one kick underwater after the start and each turn. Backstroke and IM fall in between, with good but not maximal turn advantages.
What is the difference between SCY and SCM?
SCY (Short Course Yards) uses 25-yard pools common in American high school and college swimming, while SCM (Short Course Meters) uses 25-meter pools common in international competitions. Since meters are longer than yards (1 meter = 1.09361 yards), SCM pools are about 2.34 yards longer than SCY pools, resulting in slightly slower times in SCM.
Should I train in the same pool type as my competition?
Ideally, yes. Training in the same pool type as your target competition helps you develop appropriate pacing, turn rhythm, and race strategy. However, many swimmers successfully compete across pool types. If training in a different pool type, incorporate specific practice for turn frequency and pacing adjustments you’ll need in competition.
Pool Type Specifications
LCM (Long Course Meters)
Length: 50 meters (164 feet)
Lanes: Typically 8-10 lanes
Used in: Olympics, World Championships, international competitions
Turns in 100: 1 turn
Characteristics: Requires greater endurance, fewer turns, more sustained swimming
Lanes: Typically 8-10 lanes
Used in: Olympics, World Championships, international competitions
Turns in 100: 1 turn
Characteristics: Requires greater endurance, fewer turns, more sustained swimming
SCY (Short Course Yards)
Length: 25 yards (22.86 meters, 75 feet)
Lanes: Typically 6-8 lanes
Used in: U.S. high school and college competitions
Turns in 100y: 3 turns
Characteristics: Faster times, more turns, emphasis on turn technique
Lanes: Typically 6-8 lanes
Used in: U.S. high school and college competitions
Turns in 100y: 3 turns
Characteristics: Faster times, more turns, emphasis on turn technique
Tips for Adapting Between Pool Types
Moving from LCM to SCY
– Practice turn technique and underwater phases extensively
– Develop powerful dolphin kicks for post-turn acceleration
– Adjust pacing for more frequent breaks at walls
– Expect faster times due to additional turns
– Develop powerful dolphin kicks for post-turn acceleration
– Adjust pacing for more frequent breaks at walls
– Expect faster times due to additional turns
Moving from SCY to LCM
– Build endurance for longer sustained swimming
– Focus on maintaining speed between fewer turns
– Adjust pacing strategy for extended pool length
– Prepare mentally for slower times with fewer rest opportunities
– Focus on maintaining speed between fewer turns
– Adjust pacing strategy for extended pool length
– Prepare mentally for slower times with fewer rest opportunities
Race Strategy Differences
– SCY: Aggressive starts and turns, maximize underwater distance
– LCM: Controlled pacing, maintain stroke efficiency longer
– SCY: More anaerobic bursts off walls
– LCM: Greater aerobic endurance requirement
– LCM: Controlled pacing, maintain stroke efficiency longer
– SCY: More anaerobic bursts off walls
– LCM: Greater aerobic endurance requirement