What Are the Average Steps Per Minute for Different Exercises?

If you forgot to wear your pedometer or if you want to give yourself pedometer step credit for a wider range of activities, there are a few ways you can determine the step equivalents. One tool is a chart that compares metabolic equivalent for task (MET) for various activities and converts them into steps per minute.

In some cases, your activity will register steps on a pedometer, activity monitor, or phone app. But the chart might give you more steps per minute because the activity you are doing is a higher intensity exercise (it burns more calories per minute than walking).

Average Steps per Mile

Here are some quick rules of thumb for steps per mile for walking and running, as measured by researchers.

Elliptical Trainer Step Equivalents

Is doing a mile on an elliptical the same as walking a mile? It is difficult to give accurate step equivalents for using an elliptical trainer because there is a wide variation in the calories burned by different people using the same settings.

One study, published in 2006, found that the calorie burn was overestimated by most elliptical machines. Looking at METs, elliptical activity is roughly equivalent to brisk walking:

• Light intensity elliptical training: 4.6 METs, aligns with walking 3.75 mph, or 127 steps per minute
• Moderate intensity elliptical training: 4.9 METs, aligns with walking 4.0 mph, or 132 steps per minute
• Vigorous intensity elliptical training: 5.7 METs, aligns with walking 4.3 mph, or 137 steps per minute

Steps Per Minute Equivalents

These step equivalents are based on metabolic equivalent for task (MET), which allows comparisons of the amount of exertion required for different activities. However, since the movements are very different, the estimates are rough.

"For non-rhythmic activities (where walking or running would be an example of a rhythmic, patterned movement), step estimates are not going to be accurate over a period of time," says Elroy Aguiar, PhD, assistant professor of exercise science at the University of Alabama. "There are so many variables that would change step rate when these activities are continued for five, ten, or twenty minutes or more." Bear that in mind as you consider these step equivalents.

More Ways to Track Physical Activity

When you're participating in an activity that doesn't lend itself well to step tracking, consider measuring your efforts in another way. For example, it's easy to log how many minutes you were active.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, "for substantial health benefits, adults should do at least 150 minutes to 300 minutes a week of moderate-intensity, or 75 minutes to 150 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity, or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic activity... spread throughout the week."

Another option is to look at calories burned. This calculator helps you determine how many calories you are likely to burn while participating in various physical activities. If you are trying to lose weight or maintain a weight loss, knowing the number of calories you're expending, as well as consuming, can help you monitor energy balance.