How Many Steps Do People Take Per Day on Average?
How Many Steps Do People Take Per Day on Average?
As wearable fitness trackers become more popular, people are becoming increasingly mindful of their daily step counts. Tracking steps has proven benefits, as individuals who monitor their activity levels tend to walk an average of 2,500 more steps daily than those who don’t, according to the American Council on Exercise.
Striving for the 10,000 steps-a-day goal? You’re in good company—and the effort is worth it. Regular walking offers numerous health benefits, including reduced risks of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, depression, and even certain cancers like breast and colon cancer.
But how many steps does the average person really take daily? Let’s break it down.
Steps Per Day Statistics
| Category | Details | Average Steps Per Day | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Children (<18) | Younger kids (10,000–16,000); teens decrease with age | 10,000–16,000 | 2011 Review |
| Adults (>18) | General adult population | 4,000–18,000 | 2011 Review |
| Men vs. Women | Males walk more from childhood through adulthood | Men: 5,340; Women: 4,912 | 2010 Study |
| Professions | Varies by job | See detailed table below | 2012 Research |
| Countries | Global step count trends | See detailed table below | 2017 Study |
Steps by Occupation
Your job significantly impacts your daily step count. Here’s how 10 professions ranked in a small Australian study:
| Occupation | Average Steps Per Day | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Waiter | 22,778 | 2012 |
| Nurse | 16,390 | 2012 |
| Retail Worker | 14,660 | 2012 |
| Farmer | 14,037 | 2012 |
| Stay-at-home Parent | 13,813 | 2012 |
| Teacher | 12,564 | 2012 |
| Tradesperson | 11,585 | 2012 |
| Hairdresser | 9,209 | 2012 |
| Office Worker | 7,570 | 2012 |
| Call Center Associate | 6,618 | 2012 |
Steps by Country
Global step counts reveal interesting trends, influenced by factors such as obesity rates, walkability, and climate.
| Country | Average Steps Per Day | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong | 6,880 | 2017 |
| China | 6,189 | 2017 |
| United Kingdom | 5,444 | 2017 |
| Germany | 5,205 | 2017 |
| France | 5,141 | 2017 |
| Australia | 4,491 | 2017 |
| Canada | 4,819 | 2017 |
| United States | 4,774 | 2017 |
| India | 4,297 | 2017 |
| Indonesia | 3,513 | 2017 |
Recommendations for Daily Steps
To meet CDC guidelines, adults should aim for 150 minutes of aerobic activity per week, equivalent to about 15,000 steps weekly (2,000 daily at a brisk pace). For additional health benefits, double that to 300 minutes per week, or 30,000 steps weekly.
While not every step needs to be brisk, a 10,000-step goal per day ensures a mix of moderate and vigorous activity for maximum health benefits.
Tips to Increase Your Step Count
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
- Park farther away from entrances.
- Walk with friends to make it enjoyable.
- Clean your house for extra steps.
- Take work breaks to go for a walk.
- Walk indoors at a mall during poor weather.
By making these small changes, you can boost your daily activity and step closer to your fitness goals!
