How Many Calories Are Burned With 2,000 Steps a Day?

On average, taking 2,000 steps adds up to one mile walked -- well below the standard recommendation of 10,000 steps, or about five miles total, per day. But if you're trying to lose weight, every step and every calorie burned helps.

Body Weight Significance

The heavier you are, the more calories you burn as you walk for any distance. According to the American Council on Exercise, a 120-lb. person burns about 6.5 calories per minute while walking. A 180-lb. person burns about 9.7 calories per minute, walking the same distance at the same intensity. Time how long it takes to walk 2,000 steps, and factor in your weight to see how many calories you've burned.

Speed Matters, Too

The more intense your exercise, the more calories you'll burn. So the faster you walk those 2,000 steps, the more benefit they'll provide. You can also increase your calories burned by walking up stairs or up hills at every opportunity, because the extra difficulty burns more calories during the same number of steps.

Adding Distance

The more you walk, the more calories you burn. Walking 2,000 steps daily is a good starting place. Try to add a few more steps every day. Before you know it, you'll be up to 10,000. You can add extra steps by parking at the far side of the parking lot from buildings, walking to work instead of driving, and walking in 10-minute or longer bursts throughout the day or during your lunch break.