Estimate a walk using your pace, elevation changes and planned breaks.
Build a time budget for a walk. Your results can be printed or downloaded for field use.
Enter your measurements, then calculate.
Method and assumptions
Time = distance ÷ speed + ascent ÷ ascent allowance + descent ÷ descent allowance + breaks. This is an additive planning model with editable assumptions, not a terrain forecast. The defaults add 10 minutes per 100 m climbed and 6 per 100 m descended. Allow extra time for mud, navigation, group needs and photography. Compare the estimate with your own recorded walks.
Instructions
- Enter Horizontal route distance (km) and Horizontal walking speed (km/hour).
- Add Total ascent (m) and Total descent (m), then adjust their allowances to suit your group.
- Include Breaks and observation stops (minutes), then select Calculate.
- Review the separate time contributions before using Print result or Download CSV.
Understanding your results
With the default 10 km route, 4 km/hour pace, 500 m ascent, 500 m descent and 30-minute breaks, the estimate is 4 hours 20 minutes. It adds each allowance. Your actual walk may take longer with mud, route finding or frequent wildlife stops.
What to do if the time feels unrealistic for your route
Check the route distance is in kilometres and elevation totals are in metres. Adjust the walking speed and ascent/descent allowances using your previous walks, then include extra stops. A calculator cannot assess the ground conditions for you.
Using this tool in your browser
This tool handles your entries in your browser with JavaScript enabled and does not save them automatically. Use the download or print controls described in the instructions to keep a copy before closing or reloading the page. On a phone, your browser controls where downloads go and which print options are available.
Summary
Build a time budget you can explain, then compare it with your own completed walks.