Naismith Hiking Time
Calculator
Results
- Travel time (hours)
- 5.183333
- Travel time (minutes)
- 311
Travel results
| Travel time (hours) | 5.183333 |
| Travel time (minutes) | 311 |
formula-map diagram
- Travel time (hours)
- 5.183333
- Travel time (minutes)
- 311
Travel relationship
Formula
t = d ÷ 5 + ascent ÷ 600 (Naismith's rule)= 5.1833333333333
Note
This result is a simplified model: it uses the displayed formula and the values you entered, ignoring traffic, weather, winds, stops, terrain, fees and individual variation. Confirm schedules, rates and allowances with the carrier or operator.
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See all →Frequently asked questions
What is Naismith's Rule?+
It's a classic formula for estimating hiking time: allow about 1 hour for every 5 kilometers (3 miles) of distance, plus an additional 30 minutes for every 300 meters (1,000 feet) of ascent.
Why does the rule add extra time for climbing but not descending?+
Uphill travel requires substantially more effort and slows pace far more than flat walking, while downhill travel is close to flat-pace speed for most hikers (though very steep or technical descents can also be slow).
Is Naismith's Rule accurate for everyone?+
It's a rough guideline based on a fit hiker at a steady pace; various refinements (like Tranter's corrections) adjust the estimate for fitness level, fatigue, and terrain difficulty, so treat the base result as a starting estimate rather than an exact prediction.
Does the calculator account for rest breaks?+
The classic rule estimates continuous walking time only; add extra time separately for meal stops, photo breaks, and rest, which are not part of the base formula.
How does descent affect the estimate?+
Basic Naismith's Rule doesn't add time for descent, but some extended versions do add time for very steep descents since technical downhill terrain can be as slow as climbing.