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Swimming Maths

Maths in swimming: relay teams

Add split times for a team total.

Quick answer

When swimming relay teams, you add up each swimmer’s split times to find the team’s total time.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to add split times to find the total time for a swimming relay team. Success signs:
  • You can add up 4 swimming times to find a total time
  • You understand that each swimmer's time is a split time
  • You can use a stopwatch or timer to record and add times
  • You can solve a relay team time problem using addition

Why this matters

When you swim on a relay team, each person swims a part of the race, called a "split" or "leg". You need to add up all the split times to know how fast your whole team is. This is important for races, practice, and knowing how you're doing. It's also a fun way to use maths in real life!

How it works

Let’s break down how to add split times for a relay team:
  1. Each swimmer swims one part of the race
  2. Each swimmer's time is their split time
  3. You add all the split times together
  4. The total is the team’s time
Let’s imagine a 4-person relay team. Each person swims one length of the pool. Their times are:
  • Swimmer 1: 30 seconds
  • Swimmer 2: 32 seconds
  • Swimmer 3: 28 seconds
  • Swimmer 4: 34 seconds
To find the team total, you add: 30 + 32 + 28 + 34 = ?

Examples you can see

Let’s look at a few examples of relay team times: Example 1: Simple relay
  • Swimmer 1: 25 seconds
  • Swimmer 2: 27 seconds
  • Swimmer 3: 26 seconds
  • Swimmer 4: 28 seconds
Total: 25 + 27 + 26 + 28 = 106 seconds Example 2: Relay with longer times
  • Swimmer 1: 40 seconds
  • Swimmer 2: 42 seconds
  • Swimmer 3: 38 seconds
  • Swimmer 4: 45 seconds
Total: 40 + 42 + 38 + 45 = 165 seconds Example 3: Relay with mixed seconds
  • Swimmer 1: 35 seconds
  • Swimmer 2: 33 seconds
  • Swimmer 3: 37 seconds
  • Swimmer 4: 31 seconds
Total: 35 + 33 + 37 + 31 = 136 seconds

Try it as a mini adventure

Mini Adventure: The Swimming Relay Challenge You are part of a swimming team preparing for a relay race. You and your friends have each swum one leg of the race. Your coach wants to know your team’s total time. You are going to help calculate it: 1st time: 30 seconds 2nd time: 32 seconds 3rd time: 28 seconds 4th time: 34 seconds What is your team’s total time? You can add these times step by step: 30 + 32 = 62 62 + 28 = 90 90 + 34 = 124 Your team’s total time is 124 seconds! Now, try this with your own numbers. Ask a friend or family member to give you 4 split times, and add them up together.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Adding the wrong numbers
    Why it happens: Not writing down the times clearly or mixing up which swimmer’s time is which.
    Fix: Write each time clearly and check your work twice.
  • Mistake: Forgetting to add all the times
    Why it happens: Getting distracted or thinking you’ve done enough.
    Fix: Count each time as you add it. Make sure you add 4 times.
  • Mistake: Making a mistake in addition
    Why it happens: Not knowing your addition facts well.
    Fix: Practice adding 2-digit numbers. Use fingers or a number line if needed.

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers, here’s how you can help your child with relay team times:
  • Use a stopwatch or timer at home to time each other doing simple tasks like jumping jacks or running 10 steps
  • Write the times down and ask your child to add them up
  • Use the times to compare how fast different activities are
  • Play a game where you race each other and add up the times
  • Make it fun by turning it into a challenge or a story
What to say:
  • "Let’s add up these times together"
  • "Can you check if you added them right?"
  • "What if we timed it again? Would it be faster or slower?"
What not to worry about:
  • It’s normal for children to make small mistakes at first
  • They are learning, so be patient and encouraging
  • They don’t need to know the exact times for real races yet

Practice questions

  1. Swimmer 1: 30 seconds, Swimmer 2: 31 seconds, Swimmer 3: 29 seconds, Swimmer 4: 32 seconds. What is the total time?
  2. Swimmer 1: 25 seconds, Swimmer 2: 27 seconds, Swimmer 3: 26 seconds, Swimmer 4: 28 seconds. What is the total time?
  3. Swimmer 1: 40 seconds, Swimmer 2: 38 seconds, Swimmer 3: 42 seconds, Swimmer 4: 39 seconds. What is the total time?
  4. Swimmer 1: 35 seconds, Swimmer 2: 33 seconds, Swimmer 3: 37 seconds, Swimmer 4: 31 seconds. What is the total time?
  5. Swimmer 1: 28 seconds, Swimmer 2: 30 seconds, Swimmer 3: 29 seconds, Swimmer 4: 33 seconds. What is the total time?
Answers:
  1. 122 seconds
  2. 106 seconds
  3. 159 seconds
  4. 136 seconds
  5. 120 seconds

FAQ

What is a relay team in swimming?

A relay team is a group of swimmers who each swim one part of a race. Each swimmer’s time is called a split time.

How do I add split times?

You add each swimmer’s time together. For example, 30 + 32 + 28 + 34 = 124 seconds.

Why do swimmers use relay teams?

Relay teams let swimmers work together, each doing one part of a long race. It’s a way to race longer distances without getting too tired.

Can I practice adding relay times at home?

Yes! Time yourself or others doing simple tasks and add up the times.

What if I get the wrong answer when adding?

It’s okay to make mistakes! Just double-check your work or ask someone to help you.