What is Running Cadence on My Garmin Watch?

Running cadence is how many steps you take per minute, counting both feet. It is a commonly measured running metric and can tell you a lot about your form.

For example, at a given pace, quicker cadence and shorter stride length result in smaller forces at many places throughout the body, such as at the ankles, knees, and hips. The reduced magnitude of these forces is widely believed by experts to also reduce injury risk. It is clear that running cadence can be increased only so far, but for more injury-prone runners in particular, working on increased cadence could be beneficial.

An often-cited target for running cadence is 180 steps per minute, though taller runners tend to have somewhat slower cadence. Interestingly, higher cadence is also associated with lower vertical oscillation and shorter ground contact time.

Cadence is one of six running metrics available when using a compatible watch with an HRM-Fit™, HRM-Pro™, HRM-Run™, HRM-Tri™, or HRM-Pro™ Plus heart rate monitor, or a Running Dynamics Pod that are collectively called running dynamics (see Related content).

Some Garmin® watches can provide running cadence metrics without a running dynamics accessory. To determine if your watch can provide running cadence on its own, refer to the specs page for your device on Garmin.com.