Step accuracy

[Firemn91178]

I have noticed that my step counts and miles during my walks do not seem to add up correctly.  I understand that there may be some slight differences and I inaccuracies,  but seems to be way off lately.  

I use the Map my fitness app on my walks to track as well as my Fitbit and the numbers are not even close to matching.  This morning, I walked 3.27 miles (this is an accurately measured distance and a normal route for me) and 6485 steps via map my fitness.  After my walk, my Fitbit had logged 2.61 miles and 6125 steps for the day, this included my walking around house before my walk.  This is a difference of .66 miles and 360 steps!  Even the steps vs miles do not seem to add up correctly.  Is this an issue with the Fitbit app or something wrong with my Fitbit device?

I am walking 5 miles a day for rehab and I find myself walking much further to reach my step count and mileage goal on my Fitbit each day.  

Please advise. 

Moderator edit: Subject for clarity 

[RicardoFitbit]

Hello @Firemn91178, it's nice to see you again participating in the Community Forums, welcome back!

Thanks for bringing this to my attention and for the details that were shared in your post. Let me share with you that Fitbit devices have a finely-tuned algorithm for step counting. The algorithm is designed to look for intensity and motion patterns that are most indicative of people walking and running. For more information, see How does my Fitbit device count steps? 

Keep in mind that we do not recommend to compare the information that's recorded with other tracking devices or applications because they may use different algorithms to track data but if you feel that your step count and distance are inaccurate, confirm the following are correct in the Fitbit app:

• Your wrist settings (For more information, see Does the wrist I wear my device on affect accuracy?)
• Your height (For more information, see How do I manage my Fitbit profile?)

Since we use height to estimate your walking and running stride lengths, you may want to measure and manually adjust these values if your legs are longer or shorter than average. For more information, see How do I measure and adjust stride length for my Fitbit device?

Let me know if you have any additional questions.

[Firemn91178]

@RicardoFitbit, I appreciate the info and will look into the stride length. My height is still correct and I have always had my stride length on auto.

However,  I have been using both apps for the past year and have only just began having issues with my Fitbit being inaccurate.  There are always differences,  but they have always been somewhat close to each other. 

Bottom line is that I walk, run, bike and drive the same course/route and it's the same mileage,  but on my Fitbit, it is not adding up anymore.

[RicardoFitbit]

You're welcome @Firemn91178, your reply is well appreciated.

Thanks for taking into consideration the information that was shared on my previous post. Please keep me posted after you check your stride length if you continue experiencing accuracy difficulties. You can also restart your device to refresh its performance prior starting the test-exercise. 

I'll be around if you require further assistance. Let me know if you have questions too.

[Shellory]

I walked a 5k yesterday with a same height friend.   She logged 3.9 miles and I logged 2.6.  ?????  I'm always getting less than any of my friends with the same Fitbit.   So frustrating!