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Charge 5 is not tracking my distance accurately

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‎05-21-2023 10:14 - last edited on ‎05-22-2023 07:07 by Fitbit Moderator

‎05-21-2023 10:14 - last edited on ‎05-22-2023 07:07 by Fitbit Moderator

Seems to overestimate by a bit. Anyone else find the same?

 

Moderator Edit: Clarified subject

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‎05-22-2023 12:07

In response to MaxM321

‎05-22-2023 12:07

@MaxM321 even with GPS on, for step-based activities the distance isn't measured using GPS only. If you have a map you can download TCX file and upload it here to find out what was the GPS-only distance (it will probably come close to the expected one). Also, see whether there are any areas you lost GPS connection (usually, perfectly straight lines on the map). Fitbit distance algorithm isn't the best (struggles with uphills and downhills when stride length changes). I'm not sure if there's anything you can do about it.

View best answer in original post

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5 REPLIES 5

‎05-22-2023 01:51

‎05-22-2023 01:51

Hi, @MaxM321 , if you turn on GPS your Charge 5 will use that data to compute the distance.

 

Without GPS it will estimate the distance covered by multiplying your stride length times the number of steps you took.  If your issue is that it is overestimating your distance when you are not using GPS, then you can adjust the stride length to make it more accurate.  

 

To adjust your stride please follow these instructions:

 

  1. From the fitbit.com dashboard, (the web based program - link on top right of each page is these forums) click the gear icon. Settings.
  2. Click Personal Info.
  3. Under Advanced Settings, find Stride Length and click Edit.
  4. Click Set Your Own and adjust your stride length.
  5. Click Submit and sync your device.
 
 

 

Sense, Charge 5, Inspire 2; iOS and Android

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‎05-22-2023 03:42

In response to Julia_G

‎05-22-2023 03:42

Hi Julia.

Many thanks for the help.

I turned GPS on before the run. Have a nice map of my route.. all the zones and splits but it measures as 25km when it should be more like 21.. unless the course was longer than they said!

Max

 

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‎05-22-2023 08:10

In response to Julia_G

‎05-22-2023 08:10

Thanks Julia. Pls see my response below.. not sure why there is an inaccuracy with GPS on?

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‎05-22-2023 12:07

In response to MaxM321

‎05-22-2023 12:07

@MaxM321 even with GPS on, for step-based activities the distance isn't measured using GPS only. If you have a map you can download TCX file and upload it here to find out what was the GPS-only distance (it will probably come close to the expected one). Also, see whether there are any areas you lost GPS connection (usually, perfectly straight lines on the map). Fitbit distance algorithm isn't the best (struggles with uphills and downhills when stride length changes). I'm not sure if there's anything you can do about it.

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‎05-22-2023 12:14

In response to t.parker

‎05-22-2023 12:14

ahh, many thanks for the clarification. I will try what you suggest and editing the stride lenght as Julia explained earlier.

Generally, I'm very impressed with the fitbits capability, if the adjustments can get it in the ballpark then I'm happy, just not thinking i'm nearly finished when there is 4km to go!!

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