Work out walking speed norm instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
Habitual gait speed is such a strong predictor of health outcomes that it is sometimes called the sixth vital sign. Normal community walking is 1.2-1.4 m/s, declining after sixty. Speeds below 0.8 m/s are associated with frailty and below 0.6 m/s with markedly impaired mobility, so the thresholds matter more than the exact figure.
Gait speed
speed = distance / time
Clinical thresholds
1.0 m/s community mobility, 0.8 frailty risk, 0.6 marked impairment
This is an estimate from population-average equations, not a medical or diagnostic assessment. Individual results vary with genetics, training history and technique. Seek advice from a qualified coach or clinician before making significant changes to training.
Over a 4 or 10 metre course at comfortable pace, with a rolling start and finish so acceleration is excluded.
Because walking integrates cardiovascular, neurological and musculoskeletal function, so it acts as a summary of physiological reserve.