Step Up
Free tool

How many steps a day should you walk?

It depends on your age. Here is what the research says, with the source, not a made-up number.

For your age
a day

05,00010,00015,000
AgeAim for
18 to 598,000–10,000
60 and over6,000–8,000

Source: Paluch et al., The Lancet Public Health, 2022. A study of about 47,000 adults found the health benefit levels off at these ranges.

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How it works

1Add your age

The range changes at 60.

2Add your normal day

Optional. We show how far you are from your range.

3Pick a goal

Start at the low end of the range and build up.

Questions

Where does 10,000 come from?

It started as a pedometer advert in Japan in the 1960s. The research since then points to a range that depends on your age.

Is more always better?

More helps, but the benefit levels off at the ranges above. Walking faster also helps.

What about children?

Children need more activity than adults. This tool is for adults 18 and over.