How to Convert Steps to Yards & Miles

A common item in today's world of fitness is the pedometer, which counts the number of steps you take and calculates the distance you have walked. For it to convert the number of steps to distance, however, you must first enter the length of your average step. Measuring your step length is simple, and whether you convert steps to distance by yourself or you let the pedometer do the math, knowing how far you walked is sure to be satisfying.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 pieces of tape
  • Measuring tape
  • Calculator
Show More

Instructions

  1. Measuring Your Step Length

    • 1

      Place one piece of tape on the floor as your starting line. Hold the other piece of tape in your hand and stand with both heels at the starting line.

    • 2

      Walk straight forward for 10 steps. Try to emulate your normal walking speed. Bring your heels together on the 10th step and place the second piece of tape behind your heels.

    • 3

      Measure the distance in inches between the two pieces of tape with your tape measure. That number of inches is the distance you travel in 10 steps.

    • 4

      Divide the number of inches by 10 to calculate your average individual step length. For example, if you traveled 260 inches in 10 steps, your average individual step length is 26 inches.

    Converting Steps to Yards and Miles

    • 5

      Multiply your number of steps by your average step length. For example, if you took 500 steps and your step length is 26 inches, then you traveled a total of 13,000 inches.

    • 6

      Divide the total number of inches by 36 to convert to yards, since there are 36 inches in a yard. For example, 13,000 inches divided by 36 equals about 361 yards.

    • 7

      Divide the total number of yards by 1,760 to convert to miles, since there are 1,760 yards per mile. Three hundred sixty-one yards is equivalent to just over one-fifth of a mile.