Step Length Calculator
Step length is the distance covered by a single step, measured from the contact of one foot to the contact of the other. Stride length is two steps, one full cycle of the same foot. Knowing your step length lets you calibrate a pedometer, estimate distance from step counts, or analyse your gait. Walk or run a measured distance, count your steps, and this calculator returns your average step length and stride length in several units.
Step length formula
Step length = distance / number of steps
Stride length = 2 * step length
1 metre = 100 cm = 39.3701 inches
Step length is the average distance per step over your measured walk. Stride length, one full gait cycle, is twice the step length.
Worked example
You cover 20 metres in 26 steps. Step length = 20 / 26 = 0.7692 metres = 76.92 cm = 30.28 inches. Stride length = 1.54 metres.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between step length and stride length?
Step length is the distance from one foot's contact to the other foot's contact, a single step. Stride length is the distance of two consecutive steps, a full cycle of the same foot, and equals twice the step length.
How do I measure my step length accurately?
Mark a known distance, walk or run it at a natural pace, and count your steps. Repeat a few times and average. Longer measured distances reduce counting error.
Why calibrate step length?
Pedometers and fitness apps estimate distance by multiplying steps by an assumed step length. Calibrating with your real step length makes distance and calorie estimates more accurate.
Sources
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: physical activity measurement guidance.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 19 June 2026. See our methodology.