Estimate walking time for a hike from distance, ascent, and descent – using Naismith's rule or the SAC/DAV method.
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Naismith's Rule1 hour per 5 km plus 1 hour per 600 meters ascent
km
Horizontal length of the tour.
m
Total meters of elevation gain.
Load example
For illustration only – your own calculation is what counts.
Explanation
How Hiking Time Calculator works
The hiking time calculator estimates pure walking time for a tour from distance and elevation gain. Available are the classic Naismith's rule and the SAC/DAV method common in the Alpine region.
For illustration only – your own calculation is what counts.
Day hike by Naismith
A hike of 12 km with 600 meters ascent is to be roughly planned.
Result: According to Naismith, pure walking time is 3:24:00 – without breaks and for uniform terrain.
Mountain tour by SAC/DAV
A mountain tour of 12 km with 800 m ascent and 800 m descent is estimated using the SAC/DAV method.
Result: The SAC/DAV method weights horizontal and vertical components and arrives at 5:46:00 pure walking time.
Notes
Common mistakes
Forgetting breaks
Those who plan only with pure walking time arrive significantly later on long tours.
Plan additional break time depending on length and group.
Underestimating steep descent
On alpine tours, descent takes noticeable time that Naismith doesn't represent.
Use the SAC/DAV method for steep mountain tours, which includes descent.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is Naismith's rule?
The rule of thumb formulated by William Naismith in 1892 calculates one hour per 5 km horizontal distance plus one hour per 600 meters ascent. Descent is not additionally considered for moderate terrain.
How does the SAC/DAV method work?
It calculates separate horizontal time (distance ÷ 4 km/h) and vertical time (ascent ÷ 300 m/h plus descent ÷ 500 m/h). Walking time is the larger value plus half the smaller. This method is behind many trail sign times in the Alps.
Which method should I choose?
Naismith is simple and well suited for hikes with moderate ascent. The SAC/DAV method more realistically represents steep mountain tours with lots of ascent and descent because it includes descent.
Are breaks included?
No. Both methods provide pure walking time. For rest, photo stops, and food, you should plan additional time depending on tour length.
How accurate is the estimate?
It is a guide for averagely fit hikers in good weather. Fitness, pack weight, surface, snow, and group size can significantly change actual time.
Why doesn't descent count in Naismith?
Naismith assumes moderate terrain where descent barely increases time requirement. The SAC/DAV method explicitly considers descent (1 hour per 500 meters) and is more accurate for alpine tours.
Limits
Limitations
Surface, weather, snow, and pack weight are not considered.
The estimate is valid for averagely fit hikers without breaks.
Sources
Sources and references
Naismith, W. (1892): Rule for estimating walking timesScottish Mountaineering Club Journal
Origin of the rule of thumb: 1 hour per 5 km plus 1 hour per 600 m ascent.
Retrieved: 09/23/2026 · Verified on: 09/23/2026
SAC/DAV – Berechnung der MarschzeitSchweizer Alpen-Club / Deutscher Alpenverein
Method for trail sign times: horizontal and vertical time separate, total time = larger value plus half smaller value.
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