What is Step Counter?

A free step counter that uses your device's accelerometer to track your steps in real time. Keep your phone in your pocket or hold it while walking — the tool detects each step and keeps a running total with distance and calorie estimates.

Uses the DeviceMotion API to read your phone's accelerometer roughly 60 times per second and counts each rhythmic peak as a step. Sensitivity can be tuned if you're getting double-counts (too sensitive) or missed steps (not sensitive enough). Stride length, distance, calories, and steps-per-minute pace update live, and you can export a CSV summary of any session.

How to use

1. Tap Start and begin walking with your phone in your pocket or hand.
2. Watch your step count, distance, and calorie estimates update in real time.
3. Tap Stop when done and download your walking session summary.

When to use

• Tracking a short walk when your phone's built-in counter is unavailable or paused.
• Comparing your indoor treadmill cadence against an outdoor walk at the same pace.
• Hitting a daily step goal without installing a dedicated fitness app.

Result

You want to track your lunchtime walk around the office park. Start the counter, walk for 20 minutes, and see you've taken 2,340 steps covering about 1.8 km and burning roughly 95 calories.

FAQ

Why doesn't this work on my laptop or desktop?

The counter needs a physical accelerometer, which laptops and desktops don't have. Open the same page on your phone or tablet and the sensor will start producing readings within a second of tapping Start.

How accurate is the count compared to a Fitbit or Apple Watch?

Within 5 to 10% for normal walking when the phone is in a pocket or held in hand. Watches do better for irregular movements (carrying groceries, pushing a stroller) because they sit on the wrist where steps register more cleanly.

Why does iOS ask for motion sensor permission?

Since iOS 13, Safari requires explicit permission for the DeviceMotion API to protect privacy. Tap Allow when prompted. If you accidentally denied it, go to Settings, Safari, Advanced, Website Data and clear the entry for this site.

Does the phone need to be in a specific pocket or position?

Trouser pocket, jacket pocket, or hand all work fine. Hip-level positions tend to give the cleanest signal. Avoid loose bags where the phone swings independently of your body, since that produces false steps.

What's a realistic stride length to enter?

Around 0.7 m for someone 1.6 m tall, 0.75 m for 1.7 m, and 0.80 m for 1.85 m. Running stride is roughly 1.1 to 1.3 m. For a precise number, walk 10 metres along a known distance and divide by your step count.

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