How to Measure Steps on a Pedometer
In order for a pedometer to work correctly, you must closely estimate the distance you travel with each step. Some pedometers use step length, while others use stride length. Step length is the distance from the heel of one foot to the heel of the other foot, or the distance that you travel with one step. Stride length refers to the distance covered from the heel of one foot when it starts its step to where the heel of that foot comes to complete the step.
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Instructions
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If you do not have a previously measured distance, such as a track at a local park or school, measure a distance of at least 50 feet. The greater the distance, the better.
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Travel the measured distance at the pace you plan to use your pedometer. For example, if you plan to use it while walking at a leisurely pace, walk at that pace when measuring your stride. If you plan to run while using it, run during testing.
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Divide the distance traveled by the number of steps that you took to find your step length. For example, if you traveled 328 feet (the standard unit equivalent of 100 meters), and you took 250 steps, your step length would be 1.312 feet.
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Multiply your step length by two to determine your stride length. For example, if your step length is 1.312 feet, your stride length would be 2.624 feet.
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Tips & Warnings
To determine how many steps it takes you to travel one mile, divide 5,280 by your step length in feet. For example, if your step length is two feet, it would take you 2,640 steps to cover one mile.
