Free Online Calculators
Distance + elevation → hiking time by DAV/SAC formula
Planning a hike and wondering how long it will take? The Hiking Time Calculator on this page uses the scientifically established DAV/SAC formula (from the German Alpine Club and Swiss Alpine Club) to give you a reliable, realistic estimate of your hiking duration. Simply enter your route distance and elevation gain/loss, and get an accurate hiking time in seconds.
The DAV/SAC formula is the gold standard for estimating hiking time in the Alpine world. It was developed to account for both the horizontal distance covered on a trail and the physical effort required to climb or descend elevation. The formula assumes an average, moderately fit hiker carrying a day pack.
The core assumptions are:
The total hiking time is calculated by taking the larger of the horizontal time and the vertical time, then adding half of the smaller value. This elegant method consistently outperforms simple distance-based estimates, especially on mountainous terrain.
Using this free tool is straightforward. Just input three values:
The calculator instantly returns your estimated hiking time in hours and minutes. Note that this is net walking time – it does not include rest breaks, meals, or photo stops. Most hikers should add 10–15 minutes of breaks per hour of calculated hiking time.
You're planning a hike in the Peak District: 10 km with 350 meters of ascent and 350 meters of descent. The calculator estimates approximately 3 hours 20 minutes of walking time. Add a 30-minute lunch break and you're looking at a comfortable 4-hour outing – perfect for a full morning adventure.
A classic Alpine hike: 9 km, 1,100 meters of ascent, 400 meters of descent. Elevation dominates here: ascent time alone is 3 hours 40 minutes. Total estimated hiking time: approximately 4 hours 50 minutes. With an early 6 AM start, you can summit and descend safely before afternoon thunderstorms arrive.
A gentle walk through a national park: 6 km, 120 meters up, 120 meters down. Result: approximately 1 hour 45 minutes – a relaxing half-day activity suitable for families with children or beginners.
Underestimating how long a hike takes is one of the leading causes of mountain emergencies worldwide. Hikers caught in the dark, in deteriorating weather, or without enough water and food face serious risks. A reliable hiking time estimator helps you:
The DAV/SAC formula gives excellent baseline estimates, but real-world conditions vary. Keep these factors in mind:
The formula works best for standard hiking and mountain walking. For technical climbing, via ferrata routes, or glacier travel, additional factors like rope time and belaying should be considered separately. For trail running, the estimates will be too slow.
No – the result is pure walking time. A good rule of thumb is to add 10–15 minutes of rest for every hour of calculated hiking time, plus any planned stops at viewpoints, summits, or huts.
For an average fit adult hiker, the formula is accurate to within about ±15%. It's widely used by professional mountain guides and appears on trail signs throughout the Alps, making it the most trusted standard available.
Absolutely. Break your multi-day route into individual daily stages, calculate each one separately, and you'll have a reliable itinerary. Don't forget to account for cumulative fatigue on days 3 and beyond.
Add up all elevation gains to get total ascent, and all elevation losses to get total descent. Enter these totals along with the full distance. The formula handles combined terrain well.