Quick answer: your walking stride is roughly 41.5% of your height and your running stride about 52%. A 5’8″ person therefore walks with a stride near 28.2 inches (72 cm).
Average stride length by height
This chart lists estimated walking and running stride lengths from 4’10” to 6’6″.
| Height | Metric | Walking stride (in) | Walking stride (cm) | Running stride (in) | Running stride (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4’10” | 147 cm | 24.1 | 61 | 30.2 | 77 |
| 5’0″ | 152 cm | 24.9 | 63 | 31.2 | 79 |
| 5’2″ | 157 cm | 25.7 | 65 | 32.2 | 82 |
| 5’4″ | 163 cm | 26.6 | 67 | 33.3 | 85 |
| 5’6″ | 168 cm | 27.4 | 70 | 34.3 | 87 |
| 5’8″ | 173 cm | 28.2 | 72 | 35.4 | 90 |
| 5’10” | 178 cm | 29.0 | 74 | 36.4 | 92 |
| 6’0″ | 183 cm | 29.9 | 76 | 37.4 | 95 |
| 6’2″ | 188 cm | 30.7 | 78 | 38.5 | 98 |
| 6’4″ | 193 cm | 31.5 | 80 | 39.5 | 100 |
| 6’6″ | 198 cm | 32.4 | 82 | 40.6 | 103 |
What is stride length?
Stride length here means the distance covered by one step, measured from a point on one foot to the same point on the other foot as it lands. Some sports use “stride” to mean two steps, so be sure about which meaning your device or chart uses. The calculator on this site uses single-step length.
Three ways to measure your own
The 20-step method
Mark a starting line on flat ground. Walk 20 natural steps, measure the distance from the start to your final foot placement, and divide by 20.
The track method
On a standard 400-meter track, count how many steps you take for one lap. Divide 400 meters by the count to get meters per step, then convert to inches if needed.
The wet-foot method
Wet your soles and walk across dry pavement or paper. Measure the distance between the same point on two consecutive footprints, one from each foot; that is one step.
What changes your stride
- Speed: faster usually means longer strides.
- Slopes: uphill shortens, downhill can lengthen.
- Fatigue and age: strides tend to shrink.
- Footwear and load: stiff shoes or heavy packs affect gait.
Using stride length
With a stride in feet, miles equal steps times stride divided by 5,280. See the formula guide. Enter a custom stride into the calculator for a tailored result, or compare it against the steps per mile chart. For setting your tracker, most apps ask for stride in inches or centimeters.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average walking stride length?
About 2.1 to 2.5 feet (25 to 30 inches) for most adults, depending on height.
Is running stride longer than walking stride?
Yes, by roughly 25%, because of the flight phase.
Should I set my stride length on my tracker?
Yes if it allows it. A measured value usually gives better distance estimates than the default.
Does stride length change with age?
It commonly shortens with age or after injury. If you notice a sudden change with pain, see a professional.
Estimates use general ratios and will not fit every body type.
Related guides
Try the free steps to miles calculator for your own height and stride.