A pedometer is a device that counts the number of steps that you take during a walk or run. Many models can estimate the distance traveled over an unmeasured course, based on your stride length. You'll need to calculate the length of your stride and enter it into the pedometer to estimate distance. Some pedometers also measure your pulse rate and estimate calorie expenditure.
Step 1
Reset the pedometer's step count to zero. The pedometer may still be showing the step count from a previous session and you'll need to reset it before beginning your calibration.
Step 2
Wear the pedometer according to the instructions to ensure that it consistently records your steps. This typically involves wearing the pedometer close to your body so that it aligns with your knees. Most pedometers should be worn near your hips or on a waistband.
Step 3
Select a measured course. Ideally, use an official 400m track but you can use another course if you know its distance. Your test course should have a slope reasonably close to that of your normal walking course, as a steep slope will dramatically shorten your stride.
Step 4
Walk the course. Stay in the same lane if you're on a running track and walk at the same pace that you'll use during your normal walking sessions. This is essential because your stride length generally increases as your speed increases.
Step 5
Calculate your stride length by dividing the distance you walked by the number of steps you took. The distance around a running track depends on the lane that you used and should be 489.7 feet for the first lane, 512.7 feet for the second lane, 534.6 feet for the third lane and 559.7 feet for the fourth lane.
Step 6
Convert units, if necessary. The calculation from Step 5 will provide your stride length in the same units as your distance value. Pedometers typically accept stride length in inches, so multiply your stride length by 12 if your distance was measured in feet.
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