Why measure your stride?
If your pedometer or activity tracker has an adjustable stride feature, the distance you walk will be displayed with more accuracy if you enter your personal stride length. Most devices have a default stride setting, which varies depending on the model you are using.
METHOD 1: ESTIMATE YOUR STRIDE BASED ON YOUR HEIGHT
The chart below is not as accurate as measuring, but it will give you a general idea of your stride. If you walk fast or tend to take longer steps, you may want to choose a longer stride length. If you are a slower walker or have a limited range of motion you may want to choose a shorter stride length.
Height……Stride length
4’ 6”…………..18”
4’ 7”…………..18”
4’ 8”…………..19”
4’ 9”…………..20”
4’ 10”…………20”
4’ 11”…………21”
5 feet…………22”
5’ 1”…………..22”
5’ 2”…………..23”
5’ 3”…………..24”
5’ 4”…………..25”
5’ 5”…………..26”
5’ 6”…………..26”
5’ 7”…………..26”
5’ 8”…………..27”
5’ 9”…………..28”
5’ 10”…………28″
5’ 11”…………29”
6’ feet…………30”
6’1”……………31”
6’ 2”……….….31”
6’ 3”……….….32”
6’ 4”……….….32”
6’ 5”……….….33”
6’ 6”…….…….34”
Write down the number so you are prepared once you begin setting up your device. Keep the number handy in case your device needs to be reprogrammed.
METHOD 2: MORE ACCURATE WAY TO MEASURE YOUR STRIDE
You will need a 10′ or longer measuring tape. A calculator will help for dividing and averaging numbers. Wear the shoes you typically wear while walking.
- Place a measuring tape on the floor, extended to 10 feet.
- Stand with your toes at the beginning of the tape.
- Walk toward the other end of tape. Count the number of steps you took up to 10 feet (usually 4 or 5). Note the number where your front toe touched on the final step. Repeat the process once or twice until you find your typical stride.
- Divide the total number of inches walked by the number of steps taken. This is your average stride.
Tips: Round off number to the nearest inch. If measuring by yourself, you may be able to tell on heavier carpet where the tip of your toe leaves an impression. It is more accurate to have someone help you by marking the point where the tip of your toe lands so your stride is not broken.
It is also a good idea to keep your measurements available in case the battery is removed and the device needs to be reprogrammed. It’s good to have a reference to your weight on the start date of your walking program so you can measure your progress.