How many steps in a mile?
About 1,940 steps at 4 mph and 2,920 at 2 mph. Slower steps are shorter, so a mile takes more of them.
| Pace | Ages 41 to 60 | Ages 61 to 85 | Step length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 mph, slow | 2,880 | 2,960 | 1.8 ft |
| 2.5 mph, easy | 2,530 | 2,550 | 2.1 ft |
| 3 mph, moderate | 2,270 | 2,280 | 2.3 ft |
| 3.5 mph, brisk | 2,060 | 2,080 | 2.6 ft |
| 4 mph, very brisk | 1,930 | 1,940 | 2.7 ft |
At 4 mph, few people aged 61 to 85 were measured (17), so that row is the least certain.
Measure your own
Height and stride change the number, and pace changes it most. To find yours:
- Walk 20 steps at your usual pace along something you can measure.
- Measure the distance in feet and divide by 20: that is your step length.
- Divide 5,280 by your step length: that is your steps in a mile.
These are estimates for groups of people, with steps counted on a treadmill. Your own numbers depend on your body, stride, ground and pace.
From the CADENCE-Adults studies and the 2024 Compendium of Physical Activities. How we work it out
More walking numbers
- Walking calculator
- Steps to miles
- Miles to steps
- Walking speed
- Calories burned walking
- Steps to calories
- How we work out the walking numbers
Made by fitvee from published research. General information, not medical advice.
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