Hiking Time Calculator
Naismith's classic rule allows one hour for every 5 km plus one hour for every 600 m of ascent. Set your pace, add the ground underfoot, and the calculator does the rest.
Result
- Time on the flat
- 3 h 14 min
- Added for the climb
- 1 h 01 min
How the calculation works
The model is Naismith's rule with a terrain multiplier on top:
- The climb term adds one hour per 600 m (2,000 ft) of ascent, Naismith's original allowance.
- Terrain factors: paved 1.0, trail 1.1, rocky 1.25, snow 1.5.
- The result is moving time - add breaks separately.
Time is the backbone of every route plan: it decides how much water and food a day needs, and whether the ascent profile is realistic.
Planning estimate only - not safety advice.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is Naismith's rule?
A 19th-century rule of thumb from Scottish mountaineer William Naismith: allow one hour for every 5 km of distance plus one hour for every 600 m of ascent. It estimates moving time for a reasonably fit walker on ordinary ground, and it has survived because it keeps working at typical hiking paces.
Why does descending not save time here?
Naismith's rule counts only ascent. Gentle descents are faster than the flat, but steep or rough descents are slower and harder on the knees - the two roughly cancel at planning accuracy, so the classic rule ignores them. The terrain factor handles the rough-ground part.
How much should I add for breaks?
A common plan is 10 minutes per walking hour plus 30 minutes for lunch. On long or hot days add more: the calculator gives moving time only, and a realistic day on trail is moving time plus breaks.
How does this relate to my trip settings?
If you have set your trip at the top of the page, the route distance and elevation gain fields start from it - edit them freely for the specific day you are planning.