Last verified against the 2024 Adult Compendium of Physical Activities (walking paces) and NIST SP 811 (the mile).
Example: 1 mile at a moderate pace
The 2024 Adult Compendium puts a moderate walking pace at 2.8 to 3.4 mph, so 1 mile takes 17:39 at the faster end and 21:26 at the slower end. The table gives the time for 1 mile at each walking pace the Compendium names. Enter your own distance above to replace this example.
| Walking pace | Time for 1 mile |
|---|---|
| Slow2.0 to 2.4 mph | 25:00 to 30:00 |
| Moderate2.8 to 3.4 mph, this example's pace | 17:39 to 21:26 |
| Brisk3.5 to 3.9 mph | 15:23 to 17:09 |
| Very brisk4.0 to 4.4 mph | 13:38 to 15:00 |
Time = distance ÷ speed, at each end of the pace: 1 mile ÷ 3.4 mph = 17:39, and 1 mile ÷ 2.8 mph = 21:26. 1 mile = 1.609344 km, an exact factor (NIST SP 811).
How the walking time is worked out
Your walking time is the distance divided by your speed. Enter your own pace and the time is that pace times the distance. Pick a named walking pace and the calculator works out the time at both ends of that pace's speeds, so you get a range from the fast end to the slow end. Any single time inside it would be a guess.
The named paces come from the 2024 Adult Compendium of Physical Activities, the reference researchers use to give each activity its energy cost. For walking on level, firm ground it calls 2.0 to 2.4 mph a slow pace, 2.8 to 3.4 mph moderate, 3.5 to 3.9 mph brisk and 4.0 to 4.4 mph very brisk. It also lists strolling below the slow pace, a single speed of 2.5 mph between slow and moderate, and faster walking above very brisk. The table keeps to the four named paces, each a range of speeds.
The time assumes you keep walking on level, firm ground. Hills, rough paths, crowds, road crossings and a heavy bag all add minutes, and the calculator does not count them.
Walking time questions
How long does it take to walk a mile?
At the moderate pace in the 2024 Adult Compendium, a mile takes 17:39 to 21:26. At a brisk pace it takes 15:23 to 17:09, and at a slow pace 25:00 to 30:00. Time yourself over a mile you know and enter that pace for your own figure.
Why do I get a range and not one time?
Each named pace covers a range of speeds, so the time runs from the fast end of that range to the slow end. Enter your own pace for a single time.
Can I work out my walking time from steps?
Turn your steps into miles first with the steps to miles calculator, then enter that distance here.
What is a normal walking speed?
It varies with age and fitness, among other things, and our guide to average walking pace covers it. To time a walk, pick the pace above that feels like yours, or walk a known distance, time it and enter your own pace.
Sources
- 2024 Adult Compendium of Physical Activities: Walking (17)The walking table of the 2024 Adult Compendium (adults 19 to 59), third update: codes 17152, 17190, 17200, 17220, level walking on a firm surface. Read 4 Oct 2026.
- Herrmann SD, Willis EA, Ainsworth BE and colleagues. 2024 Adult Compendium of Physical Activities: a third update of the energy costs of human activitiesJournal of Sport and Health Science 2024;13(1):6-12. The paper behind the Compendium tables. Read 4 Oct 2026.
- NIST Special Publication 811, Appendix B.8NIST, 2008 edition. 1 mile = 1.609344 km, an exact factor.
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