How to Calculate Calories Burned on a Pedometer

A pedometer is a small electronic device that measures the number of steps taken while walking. Available in sporting goods sections of stores or through internet venues, the price of this instrument can range from $5-$40 depending on the capabilities and design of the model. Tracking daily steps can be a valuable tool for maintaining a consistent exercise program. When appropriately calibrated, a pedometer can be used to calculate calories burned by walking throughout the day.

Things You'll Need

• Pedometer
• One-mile walking path

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Instructions

How To Calculate Calories Burned On A Pedometer

• 1

  Track a one-mile walking course: If there is a school running track available, four times around the track equals one mile. For walking in a safe area along a street, set the car odometer to "zero" and drive one mile. This will be the one-mile walking course.

• 2

  Be sure pedometer is properly attached to clothing for accurate step counting. It should be placed on the front waistband of pants or skirt midway between the navel and hip. Placing the pedometer too closely to the navel will not allow it to register steps, which are detected by hip movement. Be sure the pedometer sits vertically in order to register correctly. Wearing it clipped onto a pocket or other part of clothing will not allow proper step counting. Check for optimal placement by walking 25 steps, then view the pedometer for number of steps. If step number is off by more than two or three steps, continue to adjust placement for accuracy.

• 3

  Measure the steps walked in one mile. The average number to expect is approximately 2,000. The number will be higher for a person with shorter stride and lower for a person with longer strides.

• 4

  Calculate calories burned per one mile of steps. The average person weighing 155 pounds burns approximately 80 calories walking one mile. This calculates to 80 calories per 2,000 steps for an average 2,000-step mile. A heavier person will burn slightly more calories per mile.

• 5

  Calculate calories burned per step. Divide steps per mile by 80 calories (calories burned per mile) to get calories burned per step.
  Example: 2,000 steps walked / 80 calories = 0.04 calories per step

• 6

  Calculate daily calories burned walking: Each day, zero pedometer in the morning. Each evening note steps walked and multiply by calories burned per step (0.04 in the above example).
  Example: 8,000 steps walked x 0.04 calories per step = 320 calories burned