6 Minute Walk Test Calculator

Estimate the predicted six-minute walk distance for a healthy adult from age, sex, height, and weight, then compare a measured walk as percent of predicted.

Quick Facts

Formula
Enright reference equations (healthy adults 40-80)
Men: 7.57xHt - 5.02xAge - 1.76xWt - 309. Women: 2.11xHt - 2.29xWt - 5.78xAge + 667.
Lower limit of normal
Predicted minus 153 m (men) or 139 m (women)
A measured distance above this sits within the expected range.

Your Results

Calculated
Predicted 6MWD
-
Expected distance for a healthy adult
Lower limit of normal
-
Bottom of the healthy range
Percent of predicted
-
Measured divided by predicted
Category
-
Where the measured walk falls

Ready

Enter age, sex, height, and weight, then Calculate.

About the 6 Minute Walk Test

The six-minute walk test (6MWT) measures how far a person can walk on a flat, hard surface in six minutes. The distance covered — the six-minute walk distance, or 6MWD — is a simple submaximal measure of functional exercise capacity, used widely in cardiology and pulmonary rehabilitation. This calculator estimates the distance a healthy adult of the same age, sex, height, and weight would be expected to cover, then compares a measured walk against that reference. It is for educational use only; review results with a qualified clinician.

The reference equations

The predicted distance uses the widely cited Enright and Sherrill reference equations, derived from healthy adults aged 40 to 80. The two sex-specific formulas are:

  • Men: predicted 6MWD (m) = 7.57 × height(cm) − 5.02 × age(yr) − 1.76 × weight(kg) − 309
  • Women: predicted 6MWD (m) = 2.11 × height(cm) − 2.29 × weight(kg) − 5.78 × age(yr) + 667

Taller and younger people are predicted to walk farther, while greater age and body weight lower the expected distance. The lower limit of normal (LLN) marks the bottom of the healthy range: subtract 153 m from the predicted value for men and 139 m for women. A measured distance above the LLN falls within the expected range for that person.

Percent of predicted

If you enter a measured distance, the calculator reports it as a percentage of the predicted value: percent predicted = measured ÷ predicted × 100. A result at or above 100% means the person walked as far as, or farther than, the healthy reference; a result below the LLN suggests reduced functional capacity that warrants clinical review.

Interpreting values

  • The equations describe population averages; an individual's normal value can differ with ethnicity, fitness, and coexisting conditions.
  • A single 6MWD is a snapshot. Change over time — for example before and after rehabilitation — is often more informative; a difference of roughly 30 m is commonly regarded as clinically meaningful.
  • Test conditions matter. Course length, encouragement, supplemental oxygen, and rest stops all affect the distance walked.

Important disclaimer

This tool performs a calculation only and does not constitute medical advice. Do not use it to diagnose, treat, or manage any medical condition without consulting a licensed healthcare provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a normal 6-minute walk distance?
There is no single normal value; it depends on age, sex, height, and weight. This calculator estimates a predicted distance from the Enright equations (for example, about 545 m for a 60-year-old man who is 170 cm and 75 kg) and a lower limit of normal 153 m below that for men, or 139 m below for women. A measured distance above the lower limit is within the expected range.
How is percent of predicted calculated?
Divide the measured distance by the predicted distance and multiply by 100. If a person walks 450 m and their predicted value is 545 m, that is 83% of predicted. Values at or above 100% match or exceed the healthy reference, while values below the lower limit of normal suggest reduced exercise capacity.
What equations does this calculator use?
It uses the Enright and Sherrill reference equations for healthy adults aged 40 to 80. For men, predicted 6MWD = 7.57 × height(cm) − 5.02 × age − 1.76 × weight(kg) − 309. For women, predicted 6MWD = 2.11 × height(cm) − 2.29 × weight(kg) − 5.78 × age + 667.
How much change in walk distance is meaningful?
For an individual retested over time, a change of roughly 30 meters is commonly regarded as clinically important, for instance when measuring the effect of pulmonary rehabilitation. Interpret any change alongside symptoms and your clinician's assessment.

Related calculators