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Step Length (Stride) Calculator
Measure your step length from a known distance, or compare it with a rough height estimate.
For the reverse conversion, estimate steps from distance.
Enter your values
Estimate based on the entered values. Accuracy and limitations
How to use this calculator
- Enter the quantities in the units printed on each field.
- Use your own measured step length whenever a step length is requested.
- Read the calculated result, then change an input to compare a different scenario.
Formula and calculation method
Measured step length = distance ÷ steps. Rough walking step length = height × 0.42.
1 mile = 1,609.344 m; 1 foot = 0.3048 m; 1 inch = 2.54 cm. Steps are rounded to whole counts; other displayed values normally use two decimal places.
Worked example
100 metres ÷ 140 steps = 71.43 cm per step.
Accuracy and limitations
One step is one footfall; a full stride spans two steps. The 42% height assumption is only a rough walking heuristic, not a validated personal prediction. Prefer your measurement.
The height option assumes step length = 42% of height for walking only. This is a rough heuristic, not a validated personal prediction. Barreira et al. (2010) found differences between estimated and measured lengths. Prefer a measured step length, particularly for running.
Methodology, Sources and Limits · Report a calculation issue
Questions about this tool
Which units should I enter?
Use the units on each label. Multiply inches by 2.54 for centimetres, pounds by 0.45359237 for kilograms, and miles by 1.609344 for kilometres.
How should I interpret the result?
One step is one footfall; a full stride spans two steps. The 42% height assumption is only a rough walking heuristic, not a validated personal prediction. Prefer your measurement.
Try the main calculator
Convert miles or kilometres into steps with your measured step length or a rough walking estimate.
Open the Miles to Steps CalculatorRelated calculators
Learn more: How to Measure Your Own Step Length.