How To Calculate Mets From 6-Minute Walk Test

Introduction & Importance

The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) is a simple, safe, and reliable tool for assessing functional capacity and cardiovascular health. Calculating METs (Metabolic Equivalents of Task) from the 6MWT provides valuable insights into an individual’s physical fitness and health status.

How to Use This Calculator

1. Enter the distance walked in meters during the 6-minute walk test.
2. Enter the participant’s weight in kilograms.
3. Enter the participant’s age in years.
4. Click the ‘Calculate’ button.

Formula & Methodology

The formula to calculate METs from the 6MWT is:

METs = (Distance walked (meters) / (0.025 * Weight (kg) * Age (years))) + 1

Real-World Examples

Data & Statistics

Average 6MWT distances and METs for healthy adults

Age (years)	Distance (meters)	METs

Expert Tips

• Perform the 6MWT on a flat, hard surface for accurate results.
• Encourage participants to walk as far as possible during the test.
• Allow adequate rest and recovery time before and after the test.

Interactive FAQ

What is a MET?

A MET is a unit of measurement that represents the energy expenditure of an individual at rest. One MET is equivalent to the energy expended while sitting quietly, which is approximately 3.5 ml O2/kg/min.

For more information, see the NHLBI’s guide on the 6-minute walk test and the Mayo Clinic’s overview of the 6-minute walk test.