How to do the test
Use a measured, level walking route with room to turn safely. Walk at a brisk pace you can manage for six minutes. You may slow down or rest; record the total distance covered.
Why use the 6-minute walk test?
The 6-minute walk test measures how far you can walk in six minutes. It gives a practical picture of walking endurance because it involves a familiar activity: walking at a pace you can sustain. A result can provide a starting point for discussing fitness or for comparing your own walks over time.
What the result can tell you
Your distance reflects more than one aspect of physical function, including your ability to keep walking, turn, and pace yourself. The distance alone cannot explain why walking feels difficult or diagnose a heart, lung, muscle, or balance condition. If the calculator shows a predicted distance, it is an estimate from a research equation, not a required score or a pass/fail threshold.
Comparing results over time
If you repeat the test, use the same course length and similar conditions when possible. Note whether you used a walking aid or stopped to rest. Those details can affect the distance and make two attempts harder to compare.
Normal range (m)
These ranges represent the middle 50% of the reference group. Scores outside the range are below or above average for that group.
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Source: Jones CJ, Rikli RE. “Measuring functional fitness of older adults.” The Journal on Active Aging. March–April 2002, page 28.
Before you start
Use a stable setup and stop for chest pain, severe breathlessness, dizziness, new pain, or loss of balance. Ask a clinician whether testing is suitable if you have symptoms or activity restrictions.