Hiking Time Calculator

About the Hiking Time Calculator

Estimates hiking time using Naismith's rule: allow 1 hour per 5 km of distance, plus an extra hour for every 600 m of ascent.

How to use

Enter the trail distance in km and total ascent in metres, then click Calculate.

Worked example

12 km with 800 m ascent → 2.4 + 1.33 = about 3 h 45 m.

How to use this calculator

1. Enter the hike distance in kilometres.
2. Enter your expected walking speed in kilometres per hour.
3. Enter the total ascent in metres.
4. Read the estimated total time from the calculator.

The formula explained

• \(\text{time}\) = estimated hiking time in hours
• \(\text{distance}\) = route distance in kilometres
• \(\text{speed}\) = walking speed in kilometres per hour on level ground
• \(\text{ascent}\) = total climb in metres

Step by step method

1. Start with the flat-ground walking time by dividing distance by speed.
2. Add the uphill penalty using Naismith's rule: 1 hour for every 600 metres of ascent.
3. Combine both parts to get the total hiking time.
4. Use the result as a planning estimate, then adjust for terrain, fitness, and breaks.

Worked example

Suppose you are planning a 12 kilometre hike with 900 metres of ascent and expect to walk at 4 kilometres per hour on level ground.

1. Flat-ground time is \(12 \div 4 = 3\) hours.
2. Ascent time is \(900 \div 600 = 1.5\) hours.
3. Total time is \(3 + 1.5 = 4.5\) hours.

Tips and common mistakes

• Use the total ascent, not just the highest point on the route.
• Keep your walking speed realistic for the terrain and your usual pace.
• Remember that Naismith's rule is a planning estimate, not an exact prediction.
• Add extra time if the route is rough, muddy, very steep, or if you expect long breaks.

Frequently asked questions