Hiking time calculator
This hiking time calculator works from distance, ascent and descent: by DIN 33466, the SAC rule of thumb or Naismith, with breaks and arrival time. 12 km with 800 m up and down takes about 5 h 46 min.
Source: Wikipedia – Marschzeitberechnung (DIN 33466: 4 km/h, 300 m/h Aufstieg, 500 m/h Abstieg; SAC: 400 m/h; Pausen). Updated: .
How it is calculated
Under DIN 33466 a hiker covers 4 km, 300 m of ascent or 500 m of descent in an hour. Of the times for distance and for height, the smaller one is halved and added to the larger one.
Three methods compared
The standard underlies the walking times on signposts in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The SAC rule of thumb is simpler: 4 km and 400 m of ascent per hour, for fit hikers plus one hour per 800 m of descent, all added up. Naismith dates from 1892 and allows 5 km per hour plus an hour for every 600 m of ascent. The results are often only minutes apart; the comparison shows how reliable your plan is.
From walking time to trip planning
On top of the pure walking time come breaks, typically 5 to 10 minutes per hour, and a time reserve. In groups the slowest member sets the pace. With a start time the calculator shows when you will arrive, so you can be at your destination before dark.
- Pace: “Relaxed” uses 75 % and “Brisk” 125 % of normal performance. That is our own adjustment, not part of the standard.
- Miles and feet: switchable for trips in the US and the UK.
- Keep in mind: altitude, snow and scree slow you down considerably.
Frequently asked questions
How do you calculate hiking time?
By DIN 33466: distance in km divided by 4, ascent in m divided by 300, descent in m divided by 500. Of the distance time and the height time, the smaller is halved and added to the larger.
How long does 1 km take when hiking?
On the flat about 15 minutes (4 km/h). For every 100 m of ascent DIN 33466 allows 20 minutes, combined with the distance time by the halving rule.
What is the difference between walking time and total trip time?
Walking time counts only the walking. Total trip time also includes breaks and extras such as changing clothes or resting.
Sources and legal basis
- Wikipedia – Marschzeitberechnung (DIN 33466: 4 km/h, 300 m/h Aufstieg, 500 m/h Abstieg; SAC: 400 m/h; Pausen)
- Wikipedia – Wegweiser (DIN 33466, signposts for hiking trails, walking time indications)
- Wikipedia – Naismith's rule (1 h per 5 km plus 1 h per 600 m of ascent)
- Schweizer Wanderwege – hiking time and signposting
As of: · Editorial policy
Related tools
- Oxygen at altitude calculatorOxygen at altitude calculator: air pressure, oxygen partial pressure and how much oxygen each breath holds compared with sea level, with a chart by altitude.
- Running pace calculatorCalculate running pace per km or mile, finish time or distance. With speed in km/h and mph, splits per km or mile and times for 5K, 10K, half and marathon.
- Speed, Distance and Time CalculatorSpeed distance time calculator: find speed from distance and time, or distance and time from the other two. Results in mph, km/h, m/s and knots with the steps.
- Convert steps to km (kilometres)Convert steps to km and miles: 10,000 steps are 7 km (4.35 miles) at a 70 cm step. Enter your own step length – also converts a distance in km into steps.
- Calories burned calculatorEstimate calories burned in 30 sports and activities from MET value, body weight and duration per the 2024 Compendium, in kg or lb, with a personal correction.
- Altimeter: how high am I?Online altimeter: shows your phone’s GPS altitude with accuracy, average, minimum and maximum, in metres or feet, with a note on ellipsoid vs. sea level.
- BMI calculator (WHO categories)BMI calculator in lb and ft/in or kg and cm: your body mass index with WHO category on a colour scale, healthy weight range for your height and BMI Prime.
- Zodiac sign calculator: sun, moon and risingZodiac sign calculator by date, time and place of birth: sun sign to the minute, rising sign and moon sign, plus the exact sign dates of your birth year.
- Zakat calculator: how much zakat do you owe?Free zakat calculator: enter cash, savings, gold, silver, investments and debts, pick the nisab and see your zakat (2.5%) at once. With the working, no sign-up.