Walking 10,000 steps typically burns about 400 to 500 calories for an average person. This estimate can vary based on several individual factors such as weight, walking pace, terrain, and metabolism
. Key points influencing calorie burn include:
- Weight: Heavier individuals generally burn more calories since moving a larger body requires more energy, though recent research suggests the effect may be less than previously thought
- Pace: Walking faster increases calorie burn. For example, at a 3 mph pace, a 70 kg (154 lb) person burns around 404 calories for 10,000 steps, while slower or faster paces adjust this number up or down
- Terrain: Walking uphill or on uneven terrain increases calorie expenditure compared to flat surfaces
- Duration: It usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to walk 10,000 steps at a moderate pace of around 3.2 mph (5.1 km/h)
In summary, while the average calorie burn for 10,000 steps is roughly 400-500 calories, the exact amount depends on your body weight, walking speed, terrain, and time taken to complete the steps