So, how many walking steps are in a mile? There is no definitive answer to that question. It can vary significantly from person to person, based on a variety of factors.
The answer may also vary based on how are steps being measured. Not every person has the same step or gait. Depending on whether they’re in a hurry or not, the length of a person’s step can vary greatly.
Different apps and fitness devices use various measuring systems. They can be approximately precise, but never 100% accurate. Let’s take a look at the number of walking steps in a mile, how to measure it, and why it might differ in some situations.
The Number of Walking Steps in a Mile
The stride impacts how many steps it takes for a person to hit the one-mile mark. An average person has a stride that ranges from 2.1-2.5 feet in length. If a person is significantly taller or shorter than average, this number will vary accordingly. However, the average estimate is that it takes anywhere from 2000-2500 steps to cover one mile.
The length of a person’s stride can also change based on circumstances. A person who is taking a slow and relaxed walk through the park tends to have a much shorter stride and therefore, needs more steps to reach the said mile. A person in a hurry will usually have a much longer stride and will need fewer steps to complete a mile. Stride will also vary with exercise type. Runners need fewer steps than walkers.
How to Get an Accurate Number of Steps per Mile
There are many ways to calculate the number of steps in a mile. You could use a football field or a runner’s track, for example. The length or size of the areas is not all that important.
Go to one of these places and walk the distance of the oval or the field. Track your steps and then calculate how much you will need to meet the one mile mark. For example, if you walked a quarter of a mile, multiply the number of steps by four. You can count your steps, or you could wear a device like a pedometer and have it count for you.
To get an accurate measurement, conduct your experiment more than once. Measure your stride each time. You should walk at various speeds to see if the length of your stride changes or not. This can help you get the most accurate reading possible. To see how consistent your steps-per-mile experiment was, you can try it on others and see what results you get.
Do Walking and Running Steps Differ?
Yes, they do. The faster you walk or run, the fewer steps you need to achieve the one-mile mark. An individual taking a slow walk will approximately need around 2,252 steps to hit the one-mile target. Someone running at an 8-minute mile pace can achieve the same distance in around 1,400 steps. The length of the stride and the speed impact the numbers, as does one’s height.
Some individuals might find the steps per mile metric important, especially if they use it to measure their health goals. Some prefer to set a step goal for the day while others want to walk a certain number of miles each day. For those walking to improve their health, the measurements need to be as accurate as possible.
Health Benefits of Walking
A brisk walk each day can have a wide range of health benefits and doctors often point out the value of regular exercise to their patients. It is important to note that walking gives the same health benefits as a vigorous workout. However, it puts far less stress on the body which is great for people with compromised health.
Walking is a great way to boost your fitness levels. If you are new to exercising or are recovering from an injury, walking is a great way to gain strength and stamina. Walking is also great for weight loss as it can help a person burn around 150 calories per day. You should be able to cover a mile or more in 30 minutes.
Let’s look at some other benefits to walking:
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Improved joint health
- Lower cholesterol levels
- Improved mood
- Improved balance
- Stronger bones and muscles
- Reduction in body fat
Pedometer Devices and Apps
People are significantly more health-conscious today than they were in the past. Fitness trackers have become very popular recently and many use them to track their training progress. Let’s take a look at some of the common ways a person can gauge the steps and miles walked.
- Smartphones– Most smartphones have built-in apps that can help a person monitor the distance and how many steps they have taken during the day. These step counts are approximations.
- Wearable fitness devices– Wearable fitness devices like Fitbit or Apple Watch can also count your steps and the miles you cover. They track your body movements and use an accelerometer to count the steps.
- Pedometers-While both Fitbit and Apple Watch can technically be classified as pedometers, there are dedicated pedometer devices out there that focus on step count. A dedicated pedometer is likely to give you a more accurate estimation of your performance.
- Pedometer apps or health & fitness tracking apps– If you are concerned about the accuracy of your phone but don’t want to purchase a wearable tracker, then you can download a fitness or pedometer app from Google Play and Apple App Store.
Bringing All the Pieces Together
So how many walking steps are in a mile? That number is based on multiple factors, including your height, your stride, and your speed. If you need a more accurate assessment, there are a variety of wearable fitness trackers that can help you determine your steps per mile with greater precision.
The scientific average is anywhere from 2000-2500 based on the factors listed above. It is also important to note that if you are walking slowly, you will need more steps to walk a mile than someone who is running. Walking is recommended by doctors and is one of the lightest forms of exercise. Incorporating a 30-minute brisk walk into your daily routine has a plethora of health benefits.
References:
https://www.verywellfit.com/best-pedometers-4159148
http://www.thewalkingsite.com/10000steps.html
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/bring-science-home-estimating-height-walk/
https://www.verywellfit.com/how-many-walking-steps-are-in-a-mile-3435916
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/walking-for-good-health
Comments