Research shows, that the average stride length is 2.67 feet or 32 inches. This comes from a study done at the University of Wyoming. That means, for the average person, there at 2,000 steps in 1 mile.
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For the Average Adult There are 2,000 Steps in 1 Mile
This will vary by several factors including stride length and step length. Someone who is taller will typically take fewer steps than someone who is shorter.
For example, someone who’s step length is 18″ will take roughly 1,000 more steps per mile than someone who has a step length of 27″.
Steps to Miles Chart
If you have a goal in mind on how many miles per day you would like to walk, we have created this handy chart. Use this to try and hit your goals. Keep in mind 10,000 miles is still the daily recommended step count in adults.
| Steps | Miles |
| 500 | .25 |
| 1,000 | .50 |
| 1,500 | .75 |
| 2,000 | 1.00 |
| 2,500 | 1.25 |
| 3,000 | 1.50 |
| 3,500 | 1.75 |
| 4,000 | 2.00 |
| 4,500 | 2.25 |
| 5,000 | 2.50 |
| 5,500 | 2.75 |
| 6,000 | 3.00 |
| 6,500 | 3.25 |
| 7,000 | 3.50 |
| 7,500 | 3.75 |
| 8,000 | 4.00 |
| 8,500 | 4.25 |
| 9,000 | 4.50 |
| 9,500 | 4.75 |
| 10,000 | 5.00 |
How Many Miles are in 10,000 steps?
The recommendation to walk at least 10,000 steps in one day still rings true. This will allow you to accomplish the CDC’s recommendation of 150 hours of activity per week. Since the average stride length is roughly 2,000 steps per mile, then 10,000 steps will equal 5 miles. Thus, the daily recommended steps are to walk 5 miles per day. This may seem daunting, but with the help of a fitness tracker, you can stay motivated to hit this goal each day.
Stride Length or Steps – What is the difference?
Stride length and steps are sometimes confused as one and the same. This is not the case. Step length is the distance between the point of initial contact of one foot and the point of initial contact with the other foot. In normal situations, the differences between your left and right foot should be about the same. That means if you take a step it is where your foot makes its first contact with the surface that matters. Stride length is the distance between the heel strike of the same foot.
How do I Figure out My Stride Length?
As you can see, stride length plays a very important role in determining how many steps are in 1 mile. It will vary slightly with each individual. To determine your stride length, you can follow a simple process.
Step 1: Gather 10 markers to measure stride length. These can be anything from rocks, chalk, pens, or any other household item. A quick tip is you can also use water. Just get the bottom of your shoes wet and you will have an accurate mark on the ground with each step.
Step 2: Place a marker down at your feet.
Step 3: Take a step as you would normally and place a marker where your foot finishes. Repeat this 10 times.
Step 4: Measure the distance between each marker with a tape measure. Then multiply that number by 12.
Step 5: Divide by 10 to get the average stride length in inches.
Here is a video demonstrating how you can do this pretty much anywhere:
Converting Step Length to Miles
Below we have an easy to use chart on how to convert your stride length into miles.
| Step Length | Number of Footsteps To Walk a Mile |
| 18″ | 3,520 |
| 21″ | 3,017 |
| 24″ | 2,640 |
| 27″ | 2,347 |
| 30″ | 2,112 |
| 33″ | 1,920 |
| 36″ | 1,760 |
| 39″ | 1,625 |
Taller people will cover more ground. While those who are shorter will have to take fewer steps.
How Many Steps in a Mile for Woman?
Gender plays a significant role in how many steps it takes to walk a mile between men and women. This is because our bodies are different. The University of Oklahoma found that there are differences in stride length and step count between men and women.
Typically, women will have a shorter stride length than men. A woman’s average step length is 26″. That means that the average woman will need to complete 2,300-2,600 steps to complete a mile.
How Many Steps in a Mile for Men?
The University of Oklahoma study found that the average man has a step length of 31 inches. This means the average male will need 1,920-2,110 steps to complete a mile. This is slightly less than what the average female would need to complete. To get the most accurate measurement, make sure to measure your steps and stride length.
How Long Does it Take to Walk a Mile?
The average amount of time it takes a beginner to walk a mile is 15- 20 minutes.
Walking a mile will vary by stride length and step count. It will also be impacted by the fitness levels and speed of each step you take. A recent study by the British Jornal of Sports Medicine found the following as expressed in the below chart:
| Walking Intensity | Steps completed per minute |
| Walking at a Vigorous Pace (speed walking) | 130+ on Average |
| Walking at a Brisk Pace | 100 – 119 on Average |
| Walking at a Normal Pace | 80- 99 on Average |
| Walking at a Slow Pace | 60- 79 on Average |
The interesting thing about walking pace is as your fitness levels increase, you will be able to walk a mile much faster. Just as a runner looks to improve the speed of their foot striking, individuals can do the same when walking.
If you want to build up your walking pace, first focus on the frequency of your walks. This will increase your fitness level and allow you to increase your speed over time.
How Can I Walk More Throughout My Day?
Getting your 10,000 steps a day can be tough. Especially if you work in an office during the day, you will not be walking as much throughout the day as you should.
Invest in a good fitness tracker to keep you motivated. This will allow you to see how many steps you have so far in your day. You can also set a daily goal on most fitness trackers. Some will even notify you when you have hit your daily goal or if you are lagging behind where you normally are at that time of the day.
Parking further away from your destination. This forces you to take additional steps.
Get a walking buddy. Having someone to walk with will keep you motivated. This can be a friend, family member, or even your dog!
Invest in a walking treadmill. There a number of great options. Walking treadmills are usually less expensive than traditional treadmills. This will allow you to get your steps in when the weather is not ideal.
