What is a good walking speed for your age?
Time yourself over 10 meters and find your percentile. Faster walkers consistently live longer (Studenski 2011, JAMA).
Where You Rank
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to common questions
What is normal walking speed by age?
Normal walking speed declines with age. Adults under 60 typically walk 1.2-1.4 m/s, those 60-70 average 1.1-1.3 m/s, and those over 80 average 0.9-1.1 m/s. Our calculator shows how you compare to your exact age group.
What is a normal walking speed for a 70 year old?
The average walking speed for a 70-year-old is approximately 1.1 m/s for men and 1.0 m/s for women. Speeds above 1.0 m/s are considered normal and associated with good mobility.
How fast should I walk at my age?
Rather than targeting a specific speed, focus on maintaining the ability to walk at 1.0 m/s or faster. Speeds below 0.8 m/s at any age are associated with increased health risks.
What walking speed indicates frailty?
Gait speed below 0.6 m/s is a clinical marker of frailty. Speeds between 0.6-1.0 m/s may indicate reduced mobility. The "normal" threshold of 1.0 m/s is used in many clinical assessments.
How do I measure my walking speed?
Measure a known distance (e.g., 10 or 20 meters), walk at your usual pace, and time yourself. Divide distance by time to get m/s. Use our timing mode above for automatic calculation.
Does walking speed predict longevity?
Yes. A landmark JAMA study (Studenski et al., 2011) found that gait speed predicts survival across all age groups — faster walkers consistently outlive slower walkers, controlling for other factors.
References
Peer-reviewed sources behind this calculator
- Studenski S, et al. (2011). JAMA. Gait speed and survival in older adults. doi:10.1001/jama.2010.1923
- Bohannon RW (2008). Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy. Population representative gait speed in US adults. doi:10.1519/00139143-200831030-00002
- Enright PL, et al. (2003). Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. The 6-min walk test: a quick measure of functional status in elderly adults. doi:10.1046/j.1532-5415.2003.51104.x
Show all 4 references
- Abellan van Kan G, et al. (2009). Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging. Gait speed at usual pace as a predictor of adverse outcomes in community-dwelling older people. doi:10.1007/s12603-009-0146-z
Methodology & Data Source
Data based on Bohannon (2008) meta-analysis of usual gait speed and Enright (2003) Health ABC study norms. Reference values by age and gender for US adults.
Functional thresholds: Normal ≥1.0 m/s, Reduced 0.6-1.0 m/s, Impaired <0.6 m/s.
Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. Not medical advice.
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