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What is the Functional Threshold Power Feature on My Garmin Device?
Functional Threshold Power (FTP) is a key performance marker that can help you guide your efforts, optimize workout intensity and track changes in your cycling performance over time. It is popularly defined as the level of intensity you can sustain for about an hour. Your compatible Garmin device can estimate your FTP using advanced analytics to interpret your cycling performance. Select a topic below to jump to its content.
Many newer Garmin devices can more easily detect FTP with just a paired power meter and an established VO2 max. These do not have a guided test. To determine if your device is compatible, refer to the list below.
Compatible Device List
NOTE: If your watch or cycling computer is not listed below, see the following content to learn how to obtain an FTP reading: What Is a Functional Threshold Power Test?
D2™ Mach 1 | D2™ Mach 1 Pro watches
D2™ Mach 2 watch
Descent™ G2 watch
Descent™ Mk3 | Descent™ Mk3i watches
Edge® 540 Series | Edge® 550 | Edge® 840 Series | Edge® 850 | Edge® 1040 Series | Edge® 1050 | Edge® MTB cycling computers
These Edge cycling computers can record FTP with just a power meter but we suggest the inclusion of heart rate. This can be from a traditional strap or a Garmin watch with the ability to broadcast heart rate.
Other compatible devices that do not have Improved FTP will have a guided FTP test as well as some additional requirements. To determine if your device is compatible, refer to the list below.
Compatible Device List
D2™ Charlie watches
D2™ Bravo watches
D2™ Delta | D2™ Delta PX | D2™ Delta S watches
Descent™ G1 | Descent™ G1 Solar | Descent™ G1 Solar - Ocean Edition watches
For instructions on performing an FTP Test, refer to your owner's manual. Below is an example of what you can expect from an FTP test:
FTP Test Example
Locate the FTP Test. Refer to your owner's manual for the exact location.
The device will generate a workout with 7 steps including a warmup. This is an example of what your workout may look like depending on your user stats.
The screenshot on the left shows the warmup step. You can warmup for as little or long as you like and proceed to the next step using the lap key.
Why Am I Not Getting an Updated FTP Reading?
In a guided FTP test, a new FTP estimate will only be generated if the following conditions are met:
Activity must include heart rate data from a chest strap.
Outside of a guided FTP test, a new FTP estimate can automatically be generated in the following situations as long as the FTP Auto Calculation is enabled (refer to your owner's manual):
Activity includes heart rate data from a chest strap and you have ridden 70% Max HR with gradual increasing intensity for at least 5 minutes.
95% of the average power for a 20-minute interval within the ride is greater than the current FTP setting.
In either method the FTP estimate will only generate if the average power for that interval of time is greater than the previous 20-minute power record.
Where Can I See My FTP Estimate in Garmin Connect?
Reports for previous FTP estimates are available in Garmin Connect account. These reports are updated when a new FTP estimate has been generated from a recorded activity and when you have made manual changes to your FTP setting. Manual changes to FTP may not appear in reports until you have recorded a cycling activity and synced your device.
You can add a manual reading on your device within your user profile under Power Zones. Entering a manual reading will turn off the auto-detect feature on the device. You can turn auto detection back on at any point and your device will continue providing estimates again.
