How to Calculate Stride for a Pedometer

A pedometer keeps track of the number of steps you take while wearing it. Setting your pedometer to convert the number of steps to distance covered requires you to input your stride length into the machine. Accurate measurement of both your walking and running stride lengths will ensure a truer reflection of the actual distance you cover while wearing your pedometer.

Things You'll Need

  • Pedometer
  • ¼-mile walking or running track
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place your pedometer on your waistband directly over one of your legs, halfway between your naval and your side.

    • 2

      Reset the step counter to zero.

    • 3

      Choose one of the lanes on the track and stay in that lane as you walk at your typical pace all the way around one time.

    • 4

      Divide the number of feet in the lane you walked by the number of steps you took to determine your stride in feet per step. Use the following number of feet for the various track lanes:
      Inside lane 1: 489.7 feet
      Lane 2 = 512.7 feet
      Lane 3 = 534.6 feet
      Outside lane 4 = 559.7 feet
      For instance, if you needed 500 steps to walk around lane 2 then each step averaged 1.0254 feet:
      512.7 feet divided by 500 = 1.0254 ft. per step

    • 5

      Divide 5,280 feet by your stride length to determine the number of strides you would take per mile. In the example:
      5,280 feet divided by 1.0254 feet per step = 5,149.2 steps (strides) per mile

    • 6

      Repeat the process while running or jogging around to determine your running stride length.

    • 7

      Follow the manufacturer's instructions on your pedometer for inputting your step (stride) length.