The six-minute walk test measures functional exercise capacity in heart and lung disease and is used to judge severity, prognosis and response to treatment. A change of about 30 m is considered clinically meaningful.
How to use the 6-Minute Walk Test Calculator
- Sex
- Age
- Height
- Weight
- Distance walked
Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.
How it works
Walk as far as possible in six minutes along a flat 30 m corridor, following the American Thoracic Society protocol. Enter the distance and your details.
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Sex | Choose one: Male, Female |
| Age | In years |
| Height | Units: cm, in, m, ft, mm |
| Weight | Units: kg, lb, st, g |
| Distance walked | Units: m, ft |
Example values
How the main result changes when Age changes and everything else stays at the example values above:
| Age (years) | Distance as % of predicted (%) |
|---|---|
| 30 | 65 |
| 45 | 73 |
| 60 | 83 |
| 75 | 96 |
| 90 | 114 |
Health note: this calculator is for education and screening only and is not a diagnosis or treatment advice. Discuss your results with a qualified clinician.
Formula
Men: predicted (m) = 7.57 × height (cm) − 5.02 × age − 1.76 × weight (kg) − 309
Women: predicted (m) = 2.11 × height (cm) − 2.29 × weight (kg) − 5.78 × age + 667
Lower limit of normal = predicted − 153 m (men) or − 139 m (women)
Worked example
Inputs — Sex: Male; Age: 60 years; Height: 170 cm; Weight: 75 kg; Distance walked: 450 m.
Results — Predicted distance = 545 m; Distance as % of predicted = 83 %; Lower limit of normal = 392 m; Compared with lower limit = Within normal range.
Key terms
- 6MWD
- Six-minute walk distance.
Frequently asked questions
What is a normal 6-minute walk distance?
Healthy adults typically walk 400–700 m.
What is a meaningful improvement?
About 30 m in people with heart or lung disease.
Can I stop during the test?
Yes – you may slow down or rest, and the clock keeps running.