A pedometer is a great tool for keeping track of how much exercise you are getting. Pedometers work by counting the number of steps people take. Many pedometers also give distance readings and calorie counts, but users must measure stride length and input that information to utilize these features. Programming your pedometer accurately is crucial to ensuring you get the correct feedback. There are several ways to calculate your stride length.
Step 1
Go to a 400-meter track, which is standard at the high school level. Start moving at the pace you’ll be walking when you use your pedometer. Do one lap and count your steps. To find your stride length in feet, divide the number of steps you took by 1,308. This is the most accurate way to calculate your stride length.
Step 2
If you don’t have a high school track available, measure the distance it takes you to go 10 steps. Mark a starting point, go 10 paces, and note the end point. Measure this distance, and then divide it by 12. That will give you the number of inches per step, or your stride length. If you will be varying your pace as you walk or jog, do this calculation for each speed you plan to use. Then take an average.
Step 3
Check your stride length by running a known mile after entering an estimated stride length into your pedometer. Look at the distance recorded on the device when you finish. If your pedometer says you traveled farther, you need to enter a shorter stride length. If it says you did not go a mile, enter a stride length that is longer. If you don’t have a “known mile” on your route, either use a treadmill or clock a mile with your car prior to running or walking.
Tips and Warnings
- Your first and last few steps will not reflect your normal gait, so walk or run a few strides both before and after your measurement's start and end points.
Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Car odometer
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