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Versa Distance Accuracy

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‎07-10-2019 12:37

‎07-10-2019 12:37

I run around my local high school track. It is measured 3 3/4 laps equals one mile if you run in lane 7. When I run with my Versa on run mode it records a mile every 4 and 1/4 laps or so, which seems like a big difference between what is posted at the track and what the Fitbit is tracking. So, is the sign wrong or is my Fitbit off? 

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‎07-11-2019 09:36

In response to Sbarsell1220

‎07-11-2019 09:36

Okay. It is possible to have the Versa connect to your phone's GPS to use its measurement.

But since you were not doing that, distance is calculated as number of steps time stride length.  Fitbit makes an estimate of your stride length based on your physical height, sex, etc but it naturally varies with different people.  It sounds like your stride length, at least for track running, is set too short.

This help sections tells about stride length, how to measure it, and how to adjust it:

How do I measure and adjust stride length for my Fitbit device?

Note there are separate stride lengths for walking and running.

If you prefer to make a quick test adjustment instead of measuring, based on the numbers you gave, it sounds that if you multiply your set running stride length by 1.13, it should be close.

 

I had to first ask about GPS because many people would ask the same question when they are using phone's GPS, and in that case, distance measurement is totally different, having nothing to do with stride length.

Before posting, re-read to see if it would make sense to someone else not looking at your Fitbit or phone.

View best answer in original post

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4 REPLIES 4

‎07-10-2019 12:46

‎07-10-2019 12:46

We cannot tell anything about distance measurements without knowing whether or not you were connected to phone's GPS; 2 totally different ways of measuring distance.

Before posting, re-read to see if it would make sense to someone else not looking at your Fitbit or phone.

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‎07-11-2019 09:12

In response to JohnnyRow

‎07-11-2019 09:12

I don't know what you're talking about. I didn't even have my phone with me on the run, this is a post about a Fit Bit Versa watch. 

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‎07-11-2019 09:36

In response to Sbarsell1220

‎07-11-2019 09:36

Okay. It is possible to have the Versa connect to your phone's GPS to use its measurement.

But since you were not doing that, distance is calculated as number of steps time stride length.  Fitbit makes an estimate of your stride length based on your physical height, sex, etc but it naturally varies with different people.  It sounds like your stride length, at least for track running, is set too short.

This help sections tells about stride length, how to measure it, and how to adjust it:

How do I measure and adjust stride length for my Fitbit device?

Note there are separate stride lengths for walking and running.

If you prefer to make a quick test adjustment instead of measuring, based on the numbers you gave, it sounds that if you multiply your set running stride length by 1.13, it should be close.

 

I had to first ask about GPS because many people would ask the same question when they are using phone's GPS, and in that case, distance measurement is totally different, having nothing to do with stride length.

Before posting, re-read to see if it would make sense to someone else not looking at your Fitbit or phone.

Best Answer

‎07-18-2019 07:42

In response to JohnnyRow

‎07-18-2019 07:42

Thanks for the help and understanding. I ran with my phone yesterday using the GPS and it was right on accurate. I was actually running 8-9 minute miles rather than 13-14 minute miles according to my watch. I was worried I was just running really slow but it was actually the Fitbit using my stride length to measure the distance. 

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