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5 hikes on the same trail, 5 different distances

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‎08-22-2019 09:03

‎08-22-2019 09:03

The official distance for this trail is 8.6 miles.  There's a distance marker to this specific trailhead, plus distance markers every 1/2 mile.  Google Fit manages to get really close every time, but my Charge 3 with the latest firmware and the latest version of the app can't seem to get it right.  What gives?

 

 

 

Screenshot_20190822-095324.png

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‎08-23-2019 16:41 - last edited on ‎09-23-2025 12:36 by Fitbit Moderator

‎08-23-2019 16:41 - last edited on ‎09-23-2025 12:36 by Fitbit Moderator

Hello @VeganDan, thanks for bringing this to my attention. It's nice to see you again participating here in the Community Forums, welcome back.

I appreciate the information and the screenshot that were shared in your post, the image attached was really helpful for me to understand this situation. Let me share with you that Fitbit devices calculate distance by multiplying your walking steps by your walking stride length and multiplying your running steps by your running stride length. We estimate your stride lengths using your height and sex.

If your Fitbit device uses GPS and you track 1 or more runs using on-board or connected GPS, we evaluate that data to automatically update your running stride length. For best results, run at a comfortable pace for at least 10 minutes. If you prefer to measure your walking and running stride lengths yourself and enter them manually, see How do I measure and adjust my stride length?

Note that when you're tracking an activity with GPS, Fitbit calculates your distance using GPS data rather than steps. If you begin moving before you get a GPS signal, the tracker will calculate distance using steps and stride length as described above until a GPS signal is found. 

Let me know if you have any additional questions.

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