How to Calculate Your Pedometer

Pedometers count the number of steps we take, according to body movements. Some pedometers allow you to enter stride length for easier calculation. Other models calculate calories as well, but you shouldn't rely on their accuracy. A common misconception when using a pedometer is that you can just open the package, attach it and go. Pedometers require adjustments and knowledge of how to calculate for distance or the correct number of steps taken.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Track
  • Walking path
  • Colored chalk
  • Pedometer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the track or walking path. Mark the distance from start to finish. This makes calculating the stride length more accurate.

    • 2

      Take a step. Measure the stride length by measuring the distance between the back foot's toes to the front foot's toes. This takes a few tries to get an accurate measurement. As you take a step, mark the area in front of the back foot's toe with the chalk. Mark the area in front of the front foot's toes.

    • 3

      Take 10 steps along the measured distance. The total step distance equals the mark in front of the first step's toes to the mark in front of the 10th step's toes. Divide the distance by 10. This calculates into the average stride length. It will vary for each person. Take the average stride length and enter it in the pedometer, measuring the distance walked.

    • 4

      If the pedometer does not have this option, calculate by wearing the pedometer for a measured distance at the track or walking path. Wear it for a quarter-mile or half-mile. Multiply the number of steps by either four for a quarter-mile or two for a half-mile. For example, if you walk 400 steps for a quarter-mile, multiply by four to bring the total to 1,600 steps. This gives you the approximate number of steps taken per mile, allowing you to calculate with the pedometer an approximate distance walked.