Guide
How fast is brisk walking? Steps per minute, explained
"Walk briskly" sounds simple until you wonder what brisk actually means. Here are two easy ways to tell, no gadgets needed.
The quick answer
For most adults, walking at about 100 steps a minute or more is a moderate, brisk pace, and about 130 steps a minute is vigorous. These step rates come from walking research and are widely used as simple targets. Your own numbers can differ with height, fitness and age, so treat them as a starting point.
Check 1: the talk test
- Easy: you could sing.
- Brisk: you can talk in short sentences, but not sing.
- Very hard: a few words at a time.
For the fast part of an interval walk, aim for brisk.
Check 2: count your steps
Count every step for 15 seconds, then multiply by four. 25 steps in 15 seconds is 100 a minute. Or let your phone count: Pace Pulse can measure your steps per minute live during a walk, and give you a gentle tip if a fast phase falls below your target.
Find your own brisk pace
Everyone's brisk is a little different. Pace Pulse's Find your pace check has you walk easy, normal and brisk for a few minutes each, measures your step rate at each, and sets a target that fits you.
How to walk faster
- Quicker, not longer, steps. Overstriding slows you down. Take more steps instead.
- Bend your arms to about 90 degrees and swing them. Your legs follow your arms.
- Stand tall and look ahead, not at your feet.
- Walk to a beat. A steady tick at your target pace makes it easy to keep up. Pace Pulse can play one over your music.
Let Pace Pulse time it for you
A free interval walking timer for iPhone, Apple Watch, Android and Wear OS. Ready made plans, gentle walks with rest stops, treadmill plans with speed and incline, voice and haptic cues for every switch, and a custom builder. No ads, no account.
Get Pace PulseQuestions
How many steps per minute is brisk walking?
For most adults, about 100 steps a minute or more is a brisk, moderate intensity walk, and about 130 is vigorous.
Is brisk walking the same as power walking?
Power walking is usually faster still, with a strong arm swing, often well above 120 steps a minute. Brisk walking starts around 100.
How can I tell if I'm walking fast enough without a device?
Use the talk test: during a brisk walk you can talk in short sentences but couldn't sing.
Pace Pulse is a walking timer, not medical advice. If you have a health condition, are recovering from an illness or injury, or haven't been active for a while, check with your doctor first.