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To improve Fitbit’s step-based distance estimate, measure your walking and running stride lengths or let a GPS-tracked run update them, then enter or check the values under Profile picture or initial > Google Health settings > Activity > Stride Length. The right choice depends on whether you have a reliably measured distance and whether your Fitbit or phone can get a GPS signal.
How Fitbit uses stride length
Fitbit estimates distance from steps multiplied by stride length: Steps × Stride Length = Distance Traveled. Its default stride length estimate uses your height and sex, so the estimate may not match your actual distance if your stride differs from that estimate. The formula and settings are described in the Google Health Help Center’s Fitbit activity calculation guide.
Choose manual measurement or a GPS-tracked run
| Method | What you need | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Manual measurement | A reliably known distance and at least 20 counted steps | You calculate the value yourself and can set walking and running separately. |
| GPS-tracked run | A GPS-capable Fitbit or a connected phone with GPS, plus a usable signal | Fitbit can update stride length automatically; the result depends on GPS availability and signal quality. |
Choose manual measurement when you can measure a known distance and want direct control. Choose the GPS option if your device setup can record a route and you prefer an automatic update. The GPS route differs by Fitbit model: some have built-in GPS, while others use phone GPS and require the phone nearby. See Google Health’s GPS guide for device-specific details.
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Measure stride length manually
- Go to a track or another place with a reliably known distance.
- Walk or run along that distance and count at least 20 steps.
- Divide the distance traveled by the number of steps. For example, 20 meters divided by 25 steps equals 0.8 meters per step; this is an arithmetic example, not a typical stride-length figure.
- If the result is inconvenient to enter, convert it to inches or centimeters.
- Enter the result in the app’s Stride Length settings. Measure walking and running separately if your values differ.
A measuring tape is optional if you need to establish or check a distance; a marked track or another accurately measured route works too.
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Change the stride length in the app
- Open the Google Health app and tap your profile picture or initial.
- Tap Google Health settings, then Activity.
- Tap Stride Length.
- Adjust Walking or Running, then save.
This is the navigation path in the current Google Health help documentation. If your app’s labels differ, search settings for “Stride Length.” The help page also documents the Fitbit.com route: Settings > Advanced Settings > Stride Length; choose a custom value, submit it, and sync your device. See the activity calculation guide.
Let a GPS-tracked run update stride length
A GPS-tracked run can update stride length automatically. For best results, Google Health recommends running at a comfortable pace for at least 10 minutes. This is a setup recommendation, not a promise that every run will produce a precise value. Details are in Google Health’s Fitbit accuracy guide.
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GPS activity distance relies on GPS after the device obtains a signal. Before connection, Fitbit estimates distance from steps; a weak signal can affect the route and activity data. If GPS is absent at the start or weak during the activity, the recorded distance may be less accurate. Device GPS arrangements vary, so check whether your model uses built-in GPS or your nearby phone.
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