Distance recorded between tread mill and fitbit charge 6

[K_ajith]

When I walk on the treadmill, I notice that the distance shown on the fitbit charge 6 is less than the distance shown on the treadmill. Any idea why it is showing less distance? 

At the same time, the calories burnt for the same exercise is more on the fitbit as compared to the treadmill. 

[LZeeW]

Hello @K_ajith and welcome to the Community.  It's nearly impossible to get Fitbit data to be the same as treadmill data.

• The Treadmill shortcut uses your walking stride length and calculates distance using steps x stride length.  If you run on your treadmill, Fitbit recommends using the Run shortcut with GPS off.  Then your distance will be your steps x running stride length.  All bets are off if you are using a programmed treadmill workout that changes speed and or incline.  A treadmill measure distance from the belt rotation.
• You calorie burn from your Fitbit is calculated from heart rate based algorithms.  Exercise equipment often asks for your age and weight and calculates your calorie burn using MET equivalents.

[Triletics]

@K_ajith this isn't unusual and I would say rather normal. The treadmill doesn't know the distance. Unless it's a non-motorized treadmill, the counters (distance/speed) are not linked to the belt. The belt isn't moving with constant speed, it slows down and speeds up when in contact with feet so whatever counters show it will never be correct even within the treadmill's own data. If you used a foot pod then you'd be able to get more accuracy and that wouldn't match the treadmill either (unless there's an option to calibrate to the specific treadmill). The topic is quite complex. The watch is most likely wrong when it comes to distance/pace on the treadmill but the treadmill isn't right either 🤷 Check out this article: https://www.8020endurance.com/dont-trust-your-treadmill/

Short out-take from linked article:

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Somebody reading this post is thinking, “Treadmill running may be harder and slower than outdoor running for most runners, but I’m an exception. know from experience that I can run faster at a lower effort level on a treadmill than I can outside.”

The problem with this objection is that it’s based on the assumption that the speed/pace data you see on the treadmill’s information display is accurate, and this is seldom the case. Most treadmills are poorly calibrated. If you pick a treadmill at random, step onto the belt, and set the speed at 7.0 mph, you might actually be running at 6.6 mph, 6.9 mph, or 7.3 mph.

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Running on a treadmill is best done by duration and RPE (or running power) or HR. Pace/speed and distance are not reliable metrics when using a treadmill.