How many steps is a mile?

Most people take approximately 2,000 steps to walk one mile, though this varies by height and stride length. Taller people typically take fewer steps per mile.

How many calories does walking burn per mile?

Walking burns approximately 80–100 calories per mile for a 155 lb person, depending on pace and terrain. Heavier individuals and hillier terrain both increase the calorie burn.

What is a good walking pace?

A moderate pace of 3 mph is considered a healthy everyday walking speed. A brisk walk of 3.5 mph provides more cardiovascular benefit. Power walking at 4+ mph is excellent for fitness but harder to sustain.

Walking Time Calculator — How Long Will Your Walk Take?

Q: How long does it take to walk a mile?

At a moderate walking pace of 3 mph, it takes about 20 minutes to walk one mile. At a brisk pace of 3.5 mph, the same mile takes roughly 17 minutes.

Distance

Walking Pace

Enter a distance above to see your walking estimate.

Walking Speed Reference Guide

Not sure which pace to choose? Here's what each option actually feels like on foot.

Pace	Speed	What It Feels Like	Best For
Leisurely	2.0 mph	Window-shopping pace. No rush at all.	Seniors, recovery walks, casual outings
Easy	2.5 mph	Comfortable stroll. Could talk without effort.	After meals, first walks back, family outings
Moderate	3.0 mph	Your default "getting somewhere" pace.	Most everyday walks — a solid starting point
Brisk	3.5 mph	You mean business. Slightly elevated breathing.	Exercise walks, cardio benefit, fitness goals
Power Walk	4.0 mph	Arms pumping. Noticeable workout feeling.	Serious walkers, cardiovascular training
Race Walk	4.5 mph	Maximum walking effort. Near-jogging feeling.	Athletes, competitive walkers

How Are These Numbers Calculated?

Walking time is simply distance divided by speed — with optional adjustments for terrain (hills slow you down) and fitness level (experienced walkers tend to maintain pace more consistently).

Calorie estimates use the MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) method, a widely accepted approach in exercise science. Each walking pace has an assigned MET value — for example, moderate walking (3.0 mph) has a MET of about 3.5. Calories = MET × weight in kg × time in hours. The default assumes a 155 lb (70 kg) person. Enter your actual weight in the "more options" section for a personalised estimate.

Step counts are estimated at 2,000 steps per mile — the widely cited average for adults. Your actual count will vary based on your height and stride length. Taller people naturally take fewer steps per mile.

These are estimates, not clinical measurements. They're accurate enough for planning purposes, but real results depend on your individual gait, the terrain, weather, and how many times you stop to look at someone's dog.

Explore by Distance

Each page includes a pre-loaded calculator, pace comparison tables, calorie estimates, and what that walk actually feels like.

1 mile 2 miles 3 miles 4 miles 5 miles 6 miles 7 miles 8 miles 10 miles 5K 10K 13.1 half 26.2 marathon

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to walk a mile?

At a moderate pace of 3.0 mph, walking one mile takes about 20 minutes. At a brisk pace of 3.5 mph, it takes around 17 minutes. If you're just starting out and walking at a comfortable leisure pace (2.0–2.5 mph), expect 24–30 minutes. Use the calculator above to see the exact time at your preferred pace.

How many steps are in a mile?

The commonly cited average is 2,000 steps per mile for adults of average height. That figure comes from an average stride length of about 2.5 feet. Taller people with longer strides might only need 1,700–1,800 steps per mile, while shorter individuals might take 2,100–2,300 steps. For daily step goals, 10,000 steps works out to roughly 5 miles.

How many calories does walking burn?

Walking burns roughly 80–100 calories per mile for a 155 lb person at a moderate pace. One useful truth: walking and running burn approximately the same calories per mile — running just does it faster. A brisk 3-mile walk can burn 250–350 calories depending on your weight, pace, and terrain. Enter your weight in the calculator above for a personalised estimate.

What's the difference between a brisk walk and a moderate walk?

A moderate walk (around 3.0 mph) is your typical "getting from A to B" pace — comfortable, sustainable, barely elevating your heart rate. A brisk walk (3.5 mph) is faster with purpose: your breathing quickens slightly, you'd notice the effort, but you can still hold a conversation. Health guidelines often recommend 150 minutes of brisk walking per week for cardiovascular benefit.

Does terrain affect walking time?

Significantly, yes. Flat ground is the baseline. Slight hills add about 8–10% to your walking time. Hilly terrain can add 15–25%. Steep trails or significant elevation gain can add 35% or more. The calculator's "more options" section includes a terrain adjustment. Hilly walks are also harder work, which means more calories burned per mile.