6 Minute Walk Test Calculator

Health

The six-minute walk test (6MWT) measures how far you can walk on a flat surface in six minutes, a simple gauge of cardiopulmonary fitness used in heart and lung disease. This calculator compares the distance you walked, in metres, against an age-based predicted distance and reports it as a percentage of predicted. A lower percentage suggests reduced exercise capacity.

Formula

% of predicted = (distance walked ÷ predicted distance) × 100, where predicted ≈ 645 − 1.8 × age (metres)
  • The test records the total distance walked on a flat, hard surface in exactly six minutes, with rests allowed.
  • Predicted distance here is approximated as 645 − 1.8 × age in metres; published equations also adjust for height, weight and sex.
  • Result = distance walked ÷ predicted distance × 100, so 100% means you matched the age-based expectation.
  • A change of about 30 metres between tests is generally considered clinically meaningful.
  • It is a submaximal test of functional capacity, not a diagnosis; interpret it alongside symptoms and other findings.

Example Calculation

Inputs
  • Distance Walked (metres): 500
  • Age (years): 45

A 45-year-old walks 500 m in six minutes. The predicted distance is 645 − 1.8 × 45 ≈ 564 m, so the result is 500 ÷ 564 × 100 ≈ 88.7% of predicted.

Frequently asked questions

What does the six-minute walk test measure?
It measures the distance you can walk on a flat surface in six minutes, reflecting your overall functional exercise capacity across the heart, lungs and muscles.
What is a normal six-minute walk distance?
Healthy adults typically walk between about 400 and 700 metres, decreasing with age. Comparing against an age-predicted value puts your distance in context.
How is the predicted distance worked out?
This tool uses a simple age-based estimate (645 − 1.8 × age in metres). Fuller reference equations also factor in height, weight and sex.
What counts as a meaningful change?
An improvement or decline of roughly 30 metres between tests is generally regarded as clinically significant.
Is the test safe to do alone?
It is usually performed under supervision so symptoms, oxygen levels and heart rate can be monitored. Speak to a clinician before testing if you have heart or lung disease.