How Many Steps Do People On Average Steps Per Day— and Is It Enough?

With the rise of fitness trackers and smartwatches, more people are paying attention to their daily steps — and it’s making a real difference. According to the American Council on Exercise, individuals who track their steps walk an average how many step per day of 2,500 more steps per day than those who don’t.

If you’re one of the millions working toward the popular 10,000 steps-a-day goal, your efforts are doing more than just helping you stay active — they’re boosting your health in powerful ways.

The Benefits of Walking Regularly

Walking is one of the simplest, most accessible forms of exercise — and its benefits reach far beyond fitness. Regular activity, including brisk walking, is linked to a lower risk of:

• Heart disease and stroke
• High blood pressure and diabetes
• Obesity
• Depression
• Certain cancers, such as breast and colon cancer

But how many steps are people actually taking per day — and how do your numbers compare?

Average steps per day by Age

Research shows that age plays a big role in how many step people take.

A 2011 review found that adults over 18 typically take anywhere between 4,000 and 18,000 steps per day. Another study focusing on children and teens revealed that younger individuals log 10,000 to 16,000 steps daily, though that number tends to drop significantly by late adolescence.

In general, younger adults walk more and are also more likely to meet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for aerobic activity than older adults.

Males vs Females: Who Walks More?

Gender also seems to make a difference. From childhood through adulthood, males tend to take more steps on average than females.

Studies show:

• Boys and teenage males average 12,000 to 16,000 steps per day
• Girls and young females average 10,000 to 12,000 steps per day

This pattern continues into adulthood. A 2010 study found that adult males average 5,340 steps per day, while females average 4,912.

While the difference isn’t huge, it highlights how lifestyle and activity patterns can vary between groups.

How Your Job Affects Your Step Count

Your profession can dramatically influence how active you are during the day. A small 2012 project by Jenny Craig tracked step counts among 10 people in different occupations in Australia.

Here’s what they found:

While it wasn’t a formal study, it’s an interesting snapshot of how movement can vary widely depending on your line of work. Those in more active jobs, like waiting tables or nursing, naturally get in far more step than people with desk jobs.

Average step per day Around the World

Your location might influence how much you walk, too. A large 2017 study analyzed data from 717,527 people in 111 countries over a 95-day period. Here’s what they discovered:

Why the difference? Factors such as climate, obesity rates, walkability, and income likely play a role. Countries with more pedestrian-friendly cities and reliable public transportation tend to encourage higher step counts.

What the CDC Recommends

According to the CDC, adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week, such as brisk walking.

That translates to about 100 steps per minute — or roughly 15,000 steps per week (2,000+ steps per day) to meet the minimum recommendation.

For even greater benefits, aim for 300 minutes per week — about 30,000 steps (nearly 5,000 per day).

Of course, not all step are equal. To maximize health benefits, make sure part of your walking routine includes brisk or intentional movement that gets your heart rate up.

Simple Ways to Add More Steps to Your Day

Need a little help getting those numbers up? Try these easy, realistic ideas:

• Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
• Park farther away when running errands.
• Go for a walk break instead of a coffee break at work.
• Walk and talk during phone calls or meetings.
• Invite a friend or coworker for a short walk after lunch.
• If the weather’s bad, walk laps at the mall or around your home.
• Turn on your favorite music and dance around the house — it counts!

Even small bursts of activity can add up over time.

The Bottom Line

The average number of steps people take per day varies widely — by age, gender, job, and location — but one thing is clear: moving more matters.

Whether you’re averaging 4,000 or 10,000 steps daily, every stride contributes to better heart health, improved mood, and more energy.

So, track your steps, challenge yourself to go a little farther each day, and remember — it’s not about perfection. It’s about progress, consistency, and feeling good in your own body.