6 Minute Walk Test Calculator
Measure walking capacity. Compare a reference. Understand the context.
Your Walking Capacity
85.8% of predicted
Reference comparison — not a diagnosis.
Measured vs. Predicted
Male · 60 years · 175 cm · 75 kg
Reference values vary by population and test protocol.
Symptoms & Perceived Effort
Optional 0–10 symptom ratings. Recorded separately; they do not change the predicted distance. These are simple numeric ratings, not a reproduction of a proprietary Borg scale.
Use results from an appropriately supervised test. Discuss symptoms and interpretation with your clinician.
Calculation & Assumptions
- Predicted distance uses sex, age, height and weight.
- Percent predicted = walked ÷ predicted × 100.
- Outside ages 40–80, show distance without this prediction.
- Results do not measure VO₂ max or replace CPET.
Reference equations & interpretation
Enright & Sherrill (1998), metres: men = 7.57 × height (cm) − 5.02 × age (years) − 1.76 × weight (kg) − 309; women = 2.11 × height (cm) − 2.29 × weight (kg) − 5.78 × age (years) + 667. The original study included healthy adults aged 40–80. Equations describe reference estimates, not individual diagnostic cutoffs. No percentage is calculated for non-positive predictions. Test course, encouragement, rest, walking aids and clinical circumstances affect comparability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the 6MWT measure?
The six-minute walk test records the distance walked in six minutes under standardized conditions. It assesses functional walking capacity; it does not independently diagnose heart or lung disease and does not directly measure VO₂ max. Use the distance from an appropriately supervised assessment.
Why do reference values differ?
Reference equations depend on the population and test protocol. This tool uses Enright & Sherrill (1998), developed in healthy adults aged 40–80. Percent predicted is a comparison, not a universal normal range or a pass/fail score.
Can I use this outside ages 40–80?
You can record the measured distance and optional symptoms. This calculator deliberately does not extrapolate the Enright–Sherrill prediction outside ages 40–80. Use a clinician-selected reference appropriate to the person being assessed.
Sources & References
6MWT guidanceATS field walking-test resources.
Field walking standardsERS/ATS technical standard · 2014.
Enright & Sherrill · 1998Reference equations · healthy adults 40–80.References inform the method; they do not endorse this calculator.
Measure walking capacity. Compare a reference. Understand the context.