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How Do Fitness Trackers Track Steps?

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5 min read
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Best Fitness Trackers to Buy in September 2025

1 Fitbit Inspire 3 Health &-Fitness-Tracker with Stress Management, Workout Intensity, Sleep Tracking, 24/7 Heart Rate and more, Midnight Zen/Black One Size (S & L Bands Included)

Fitbit Inspire 3 Health &-Fitness-Tracker with Stress Management, Workout Intensity, Sleep Tracking, 24/7 Heart Rate and more, Midnight Zen/Black One Size (S & L Bands Included)

  • BOOST DAILY PERFORMANCE: ENJOY ACTIVE TRACKING AND A DAILY READINESS SCORE.

  • ENHANCE WELL-BEING: MONITOR STRESS, SLEEP, AND HEALTH WITH REAL-TIME INSIGHTS.

  • STAY CONNECTED: RECEIVE CALLS AND TEXTS WITH A LIGHTWEIGHT, WATERPROOF DESIGN.

BUY & SAVE
$79.95 $99.95
Save 20%
Fitbit Inspire 3 Health &-Fitness-Tracker with Stress Management, Workout Intensity, Sleep Tracking, 24/7 Heart Rate and more, Midnight Zen/Black One Size (S & L Bands Included)
2 Fitness Tracker with Heart Rate/Blood Oxygen/Sleep Monitor, 20+ Sports Modes Smart Watches for Women/Men, Activity & Step Tracker Smart Watch for Android/iOS Phones (Black)

Fitness Tracker with Heart Rate/Blood Oxygen/Sleep Monitor, 20+ Sports Modes Smart Watches for Women/Men, Activity & Step Tracker Smart Watch for Android/iOS Phones (Black)

  • TRACK HEART RATE, BLOOD PRESSURE, AND SLEEP FOR COMPLETE WELLNESS.

  • 25 SPORT MODES CAPTURE ALL YOUR ACTIVITY AND FITNESS DATA.

  • STUNNING 1.10 AMOLED DISPLAY ENHANCES USER EXPERIENCE.

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$28.99
Fitness Tracker with Heart Rate/Blood Oxygen/Sleep Monitor, 20+ Sports Modes Smart Watches for Women/Men, Activity & Step Tracker Smart Watch for Android/iOS Phones (Black)
3 Smart Watch for Men Women with Bluetooth Calls, 1.83" HD Touchscreen Fitness Tracker, 110+ Sport Modes, Heart Rate/Sleep/Spo2 Monitor/Pedometer, IP68 Waterproof, Silver Gray

Smart Watch for Men Women with Bluetooth Calls, 1.83" HD Touchscreen Fitness Tracker, 110+ Sport Modes, Heart Rate/Sleep/Spo2 Monitor/Pedometer, IP68 Waterproof, Silver Gray

  • STAY CONNECTED ANYWHERE: BLUETOOTH 5.3 FOR CLEAR CALLS, SMART ALERTS.
  • TRACK EVERY MOVE: OVER 110 SPORTS MODES AND IP68 WATERPROOF DESIGN.
  • COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH INSIGHTS: MONITOR HEART RATE, SLEEP, AND MORE.
BUY & SAVE
$219.99
Smart Watch for Men Women with Bluetooth Calls, 1.83" HD Touchscreen Fitness Tracker, 110+ Sport Modes, Heart Rate/Sleep/Spo2 Monitor/Pedometer, IP68 Waterproof, Silver Gray
4 Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker with Google apps, Heart Rate on Exercise Equipment, 6-Months Premium Membership Included, GPS, Health Tools and More, Obsidian/Black, One Size (S & L Bands Included)

Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker with Google apps, Heart Rate on Exercise Equipment, 6-Months Premium Membership Included, GPS, Health Tools and More, Obsidian/Black, One Size (S & L Bands Included)

  • NAVIGATE EFFORTLESSLY WITH GOOGLE MAPS TURN-BY-TURN DIRECTIONS.
  • CONVENIENT TAP-TO-PAY FOR QUICK SNACK BREAKS WITH GOOGLE WALLET.
  • ENHANCE RUNS AND RIDES WITH SMART FEATURES ON FITBIT CHARGE 6.
BUY & SAVE
$134.49 $159.95
Save 16%
Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker with Google apps, Heart Rate on Exercise Equipment, 6-Months Premium Membership Included, GPS, Health Tools and More, Obsidian/Black, One Size (S & L Bands Included)
5 Smart Watch with Alexa Built-in, 1.83" HD Touchscreen & Fitness Tracker with Message Call Function, 24/7 Heart Rate/Sleep Monitor, 120+ Sport Modes, IP68 Waterproof, for Android iPhone (Black)

Smart Watch with Alexa Built-in, 1.83" HD Touchscreen & Fitness Tracker with Message Call Function, 24/7 Heart Rate/Sleep Monitor, 120+ Sport Modes, IP68 Waterproof, for Android iPhone (Black)

  • CONTROL MUSIC, WEATHER, AND ALARMS HANDS-FREE WITH ALEXA VOICE COMMANDS.
  • MAKE CALLS AND GET SMS ALERTS DIRECTLY ON YOUR WRIST WITH BLUETOOTH 5.3.
  • TRACK HEALTH 24/7, FROM HEART RATE TO SLEEP, WITH COMPREHENSIVE MONITORING.
BUY & SAVE
$31.99 $199.99
Save 84%
Smart Watch with Alexa Built-in, 1.83" HD Touchscreen & Fitness Tracker with Message Call Function, 24/7 Heart Rate/Sleep Monitor, 120+ Sport Modes, IP68 Waterproof, for Android iPhone (Black)
6 Fitbit Versa 4 Fitness Smartwatch with Daily Readiness, GPS, 24/7 Heart Rate, 40+ Exercise Modes, Sleep Tracking and more, Black/Graphite, One Size (S & L Bands Included)

Fitbit Versa 4 Fitness Smartwatch with Daily Readiness, GPS, 24/7 Heart Rate, 40+ Exercise Modes, Sleep Tracking and more, Black/Graphite, One Size (S & L Bands Included)

  • STAY MOTIVATED WITH DAILY READINESS SCORE AND PERSONALIZED INSIGHTS.
  • TRACK WORKOUTS & SLEEP QUALITY SEAMLESSLY FOR BETTER HEALTH RESULTS.
  • ENJOY ON-WRIST CALLS, TEXTS, AND CUSTOMIZABLE FEATURES FOR CONVENIENCE.
BUY & SAVE
$149.00 $199.95
Save 25%
Fitbit Versa 4 Fitness Smartwatch with Daily Readiness, GPS, 24/7 Heart Rate, 40+ Exercise Modes, Sleep Tracking and more, Black/Graphite, One Size (S & L Bands Included)
7 Apple Watch Series 10 [GPS 46mm case] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminium Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Fitness Tracker, ECG App, Always-On Retina Display, Water Resistant

Apple Watch Series 10 [GPS 46mm case] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminium Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Fitness Tracker, ECG App, Always-On Retina Display, Water Resistant

  • BIGGER DISPLAY: ENJOY 30% MORE SCREEN AREA FOR EASIER NAVIGATION.
  • ADVANCED HEALTH INSIGHTS: TRACK ECG, HEART RATE, AND SLEEP METRICS.
  • INNOVATIVE SAFETY FEATURES: FALL AND CRASH DETECTION FOR PEACE OF MIND.
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$359.00 $429.00
Save 16%
Apple Watch Series 10 [GPS 46mm case] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminium Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Fitness Tracker, ECG App, Always-On Retina Display, Water Resistant
8 Smart Watch for Men Women, 1.85" TFT-Touch Screen Smartwatch with Call Function, 112 Sport Modes, Fitness Tracker with 24/7 Heart Rate/Sleep Monitor, IP68 Waterproof, Fitness Watch for Android/iOS

Smart Watch for Men Women, 1.85" TFT-Touch Screen Smartwatch with Call Function, 112 Sport Modes, Fitness Tracker with 24/7 Heart Rate/Sleep Monitor, IP68 Waterproof, Fitness Watch for Android/iOS

  • CONNECT ON-THE-GO: MAKE CALLS DIRECTLY FROM YOUR SMARTWATCH!
  • COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH TRACKING: MONITOR HEART RATE & SLEEP PATTERNS!
  • 112 SPORT MODES: FIT FOR EVERY ATHLETE, INDOORS OR OUTDOORS!
BUY & SAVE
$19.99 $159.99
Save 88%
Smart Watch for Men Women, 1.85" TFT-Touch Screen Smartwatch with Call Function, 112 Sport Modes, Fitness Tracker with 24/7 Heart Rate/Sleep Monitor, IP68 Waterproof, Fitness Watch for Android/iOS
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ONE MORE?

Fitness trackers track steps through the use of accelerometers. An accelerometer is a sensor that measures acceleration, which can also be used to calculate movement. When you wear a fitness tracker on your wrist or clip it to your clothing, the accelerometer inside senses changes in acceleration caused by your movements.

As you take a step, the fitness tracker detects the movement and acceleration. It can recognize the swinging motion of your arms as you walk or jog and uses this data to count each step you take. The accelerometer measures the force and direction of these movements to determine when a step is taken and registers it as a step count.

Several algorithms are programmed into fitness trackers to differentiate between different types of movements. They can distinguish between regular walking movements and other motions, such as running or cycling. This allows the tracker to accurately measure steps even during various activities like jogging or climbing stairs.

Some fitness trackers also employ a gyroscope, which is another sensor that helps measure orientation and rotation. The gyroscope can provide additional information about the user's movements and improve the accuracy of step tracking.

Once the fitness tracker tracks and counts the steps, it displays the data on its screen or synchronizes it with a mobile app on your smartphone. The stored data can then be used to calculate the distance traveled, calories burned, and overall activity levels for the day.

Do fitness trackers track steps differently for individuals with different heights or body types?

Yes, fitness trackers may track steps differently for individuals with different heights or body types. The accuracy of step tracking can be affected by several factors, including stride length, arm swing, and body composition.

People with shorter heights might have shorter stride lengths, resulting in more steps being recorded compared to someone taller with longer stride lengths covering the same distance. Similarly, individuals with different body types may have variations in arm swing while walking or running, which can affect the step count measurements.

Additionally, some fitness trackers use different sensors and algorithms to estimate steps, which might introduce variations in accuracy for different individuals. It is important to note that the accuracy of step tracking can vary across different fitness tracker models and brands as well.

Are fitness trackers accurate in tracking steps?

Fitness trackers, particularly those equipped with motion sensors or accelerometers, are generally accurate in tracking steps. However, the accuracy may vary depending on the specific brand, model, and individual usage. In most cases, fitness trackers can provide a fairly accurate estimate of the number of steps taken throughout the day. Nevertheless, it's important to note that no technology is perfect, and fitness trackers may occasionally miscount or misinterpret certain movements, leading to slight inaccuracies.

Can fitness trackers synchronize step tracking data with other health and fitness apps?

Yes, most fitness trackers can synchronize step tracking data with other health and fitness apps. Fitness trackers often have companion apps that allow you to connect and sync your data with popular health and fitness apps like Apple Health, Google Fit, MyFitnessPal, Strava, Fitbit App, and more. This integration helps consolidate and analyze your data from different sources, providing a more comprehensive picture of your overall health and fitness.

Do fitness trackers count steps if the wearer is using a treadmill or elliptical machine?

Yes, most fitness trackers can count steps accurately even when the wearer is using a treadmill or elliptical machine. Fitness trackers usually employ accelerometers or similar sensors to detect movement and translate it into step counts. While on a treadmill or elliptical, the device can still track your steps based on the motion of your wrist or body. However, keep in mind that step count measurements may not be as precise as when you're walking or running outdoors, as treadmill or elliptical workouts involve repetitive movements and may not fully replicate the natural gait pattern.

How do fitness trackers handle collective steps taken during activities involving both arms and legs, like swimming or rowing?

Fitness trackers use various methods to estimate and track steps during activities involving both arms and legs, such as swimming or rowing. Here are a few ways they handle these scenarios:

  1. Accelerometer-based motion tracking: Fitness trackers often include an accelerometer, which measures movement and acceleration. During activities like swimming or rowing, the accelerometers detect the overall motion patterns and movements of the body. Although it may not accurately measure steps in these activities, it estimates the intensity, duration, and calories burned using algorithms specific to the activity.
  2. Heart rate monitoring: Some fitness trackers use heart rate sensors to estimate the intensity of the activity. By tracking your heart rate during swimming or rowing, the device can infer the level of effort being exerted and provide more accurate estimations of calories burned.
  3. Customized algorithms: Fitness trackers employ complex algorithms designed to recognize specific activity patterns. Manufacturers develop specialized algorithms for different activities like swimming or rowing. These algorithms are refined using machine learning techniques and large datasets to improve accuracy over time.
  4. Manual activity selection: Many fitness trackers allow users to manually select the type of activity they are performing, including swimming or rowing. By choosing the exact activity, the tracker will adjust its calculations and provide more accurate data based on known patterns associated with that activity.

It's important to note that fitness trackers might not provide precise step counts for activities like swimming or rowing. However, they can still monitor overall fitness metrics like heart rate, duration, distance, and calories burned.