Hiking Time Calculator (Naismith's Rule)
Estimate trail time from distance, climb and pace using Naismith's rule. It adds one hour for every 600 meters of ascent on top of your walking time.
How to estimate hiking time
- Enter the trail distance in kilometers.
- Add the total elevation gain (climb) in meters.
- Set your flat walking pace, or keep the 5 km/h default.
- Read the base, ascent and total time in hours and minutes.
Examples
12 km hike with 800 m of climb
distance 12 km, ascent 800 m, pace 5 km/h
Base 2.4 h, ascent 1.33 h, total 3h 44m
Frequently asked questions
What is Naismith's rule?
Naismith's rule allows one hour for every 5 km of distance and adds an extra hour for every 600 m of ascent. It is a quick planning estimate.
Is this estimate exact?
No. It is a planning guideline only. Real time depends on terrain, pack weight, fitness, weather, group size and rest stops.
What pace should I use?
Around 5 km/h suits most fit walkers on easy ground. Use 3 to 4 km/h for rough terrain, heavy loads or larger groups.
Does it account for descent?
The classic rule does not add time for descent. Steep or technical downhills can slow you down, so allow extra time on those.
Should I add time for breaks?
Yes. The result is moving time only. Add time for lunch, photos, navigation and rest, especially on long or remote routes.
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