Walking Time Calculator
How long a walk takes at your pace, including hills.
Enter your values
Enter the distance in miles.
Enter the walking speed in mph.
Enter the elevation gain in ft.
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.
- Estimated time
- 2h 36m
- Flat-ground time
- 2 hours
- Added for climbing
- 36 minutes
- Average moving pace
- 2.31 mph overall
Quick answer
Naismith's rule allows one hour per 3 miles walked plus an extra hour for every 2,000 feet of ascent.
Time = distance ÷ speed + ascent ÷ 2000 hr
At a glance
| What it does | How long a walk takes at your pace, including hills. |
|---|---|
| Category | Health |
| Inputs needed | Distance, Walking speed, Elevation gain |
| Main output | Estimated time |
| Formula | Time = distance ÷ speed + ascent ÷ 2000 hr |
| Cost | Free — no sign-up, no download |
How to use the Walking Time Calculator
- 1Enter the route distance.
- 2Set a realistic walking speed.
- 3Add total elevation gain for the climb allowance.
Inputs explained
- Distance(miles)
- Enter the distance in miles.
- Walking speed(mph)
- Enter the walking speed in mph.
- Elevation gain(ft)
- Enter the elevation gain in ft.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Distance6 miles
- Walking speed3 mph
- Elevation gain1200 ft
Results
- Estimated time2h 36m
- Flat-ground time2 hours
- Added for climbing36 minutes
- Average moving pace2.31 mph overall
Frequently asked questions
What speed should I use?
3 mph on flat paths, 2–2.5 mph on rough trails and 1.5 mph with a heavy pack on steep ground.
Does Naismith include breaks?
No. Add 10 minutes per hour for rest, photos and navigation on longer routes.
What do I need to enter into the Walking Time Calculator?
Just 3 values: distance, walking speed, elevation gain. 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 Time Calculator work out the answer?
Naismith's rule allows one hour per 3 miles walked plus an extra hour for every 2,000 feet of ascent. It applies the formula Time = distance ÷ speed + ascent ÷ 2000 hr and shows the working so you can check each step by hand.
Is the Walking Time 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.