Distance accuracy

[courtneyld]

I walk the same route to/from work every day, start/stop the walk mode same places every day, yet my distance is never the same... Any thoughts on why the watch can't get it right (other than it doesn't function properly on so many levels!

Moderator edit: Subject for clarity 

Moderator edit: Format 

[RicardoFitbit]

Hello @courtneyld, it's nice to see you again participating here in the Community Forums!

Thanks for bringing this to my attention. Can you please let me know which Fitbit and Android device you are currently using? 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.

[courtneyld]

This is the most ridiculous garbage I have ever heard! You know what
calculates DISTANCE? Actual DISTANCE, point A to point B = distance, no
matter of how many steps, strides, speed, etc... Another reason this watch
is CRAP!
ALSO, the sleep score is the stupidest, most inaccurate accounting and is
super annoying!
Time to buy the competitors watch, this thing is a piece of ....

[Flys4Fun]

I have noticed less GPS accuracy since the last firmware update.  When comparing the same route pre and post update, the route, as superimposed over the map, seems to cut corners and screws up my distance calculations.  This never happened before the last update.  Did they mess with the GPS accuracy to conserve storage or enhance speed? Just not the same.  What's up?