Hiking Time Calculator
Estimate hiking time based on distance, elevation gain, and fitness level using Naismith"s Rule with Tranter"s corrections.
Estimated Hiking Time
Naismith"s Rule is the classic formula for estimating hiking time:
Time (hours) = Distance (miles) / 3 + Elevation Gain (feet) / 2000
This assumes a base pace of 3 mph on flat terrain, plus 1 hour for every 2,000 feet of elevation gain.
When using kilometers and meters:
Time (hours) = Distance (km) / 5 + Elevation Gain (m) / 600
This assumes 5 km/hr on flat terrain, plus 1 hour per 600 meters of ascent.
Fitness level adjustments (Tranter"s corrections):
- Very fit: 0.75× (subtract 25%)
- Fit: 1.0× (no adjustment)
- Average: 1.25× (add 25%)
- Below average: 1.5× (add 50%)
- Unfit: 2.0× (double the time)
Additional factors:
- Rough/rocky terrain: add 20–30%
- Heavy pack (30+ lbs): add 20%
- Hot weather: add 10–20%
- Breaks: add 5–10 minutes per hour