Walking Pace Calculator
Time, distance and pace for walks and hikes, including Naismith's rule for climbs.
Enter your values
Enter the distance in km.
Enter the walking speed in km/h.
Enter the total ascent in m.
Enter the break time in minutes.
Results update instantly as you type — no submit needed. Your values are remembered on this device, and the shareable link reopens the calculator with exactly these numbers.
- Total time
- 3:35:00
- Walking time
- 3:15:00
- Extra for ascent
- 35:00
- Pace
- 13:20 per km (21:27 per mile)
- Steps (0.75 m stride)
- 16,000
- Calories (70 kg walker)
- 695 kcal
Working
- 112 km / 4.5 km/h = 2:40:00
- 2Naismith: 350 m / 600 = 35:00 extra
Quick answer
Walking time is distance divided by pace, plus about one minute for every 10 metres of ascent under Naismith's rule.
time = distance / speed + ascent m / 600 hours
At a glance
| What it does | Time, distance and pace for walks and hikes, including Naismith's rule for climbs. |
|---|---|
| Category | Fitness |
| Inputs needed | Distance, Walking speed, Total ascent, Break time |
| Main output | Total time |
| Formula | time = distance / speed + ascent m / 600 hours |
| Cost | Free — no sign-up, no download |
How to use the Walking Pace Calculator
- 1Enter the route distance and the speed you actually sustain, usually 4 to 5 km/h on flat paths.
- 2Add total ascent from your map or GPX file so Naismith's rule can apply.
- 3Include planned break time to get a realistic finishing time.
Inputs explained
- Distance(km)
- Enter the distance in km.
- Walking speed(km/h)
- Enter the walking speed in km/h.
- Total ascent(m)
- Enter the total ascent in m.
- Break time(minutes)
- Enter the break time in minutes.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Distance12 km
- Walking speed4.5 km/h
- Total ascent350 m
- Break time20 minutes
Results
- Total time3:35:00
- Walking time3:15:00
- Extra for ascent35:00
- Pace13:20 per km (21:27 per mile)
- Steps (0.75 m stride)16,000
- Calories (70 kg walker)695 kcal
- 12 km / 4.5 km/h = 2:40:00
- Naismith: 350 m / 600 = 35:00 extra
Frequently asked questions
What is Naismith's rule?
Allow one hour per 5 km plus an extra hour for every 600 m of ascent. It has been the hillwalking planning standard since 1892.
Should I adjust for a heavy pack?
Yes. Drop your speed by roughly 0.5 km/h for a pack over 10 kg, and more on rough ground.
What do I need to enter into the Walking Pace Calculator?
Just 4 values: distance, walking speed, total ascent, break time. Every field starts with a realistic example, so you can change one number at a time and watch the result update instantly.
How does the Walking Pace Calculator work out the answer?
Walking time is distance divided by pace, plus about one minute for every 10 metres of ascent under Naismith's rule. It applies the formula time = distance / speed + ascent m / 600 hours and shows the working so you can check each step by hand.
Is the Walking Pace Calculator free, and do I need an account?
It is completely free with no sign-up, no download and no usage limit. Everything is calculated in your browser, so the numbers you type never leave your device.
Results are estimates for general information. For medical, legal, structural or financial decisions, confirm with a qualified professional.