Floors Climbed
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A barometric estimate of vertical floors ascended — a small bonus activity metric that nudges toward harder incidental movement.
Detail
Floors climbed is a device estimate of how many flights of stairs (or equivalent elevation) you ascended in a day, derived from a barometric altimeter detecting pressure changes as you go up. A "floor" is typically defined as roughly 3 meters (~10 feet) of ascent.
It's a minor but pleasant metric: stair climbing is more intense than flat walking, so floors nudge users toward the higher-effort incidental activity that flat Steps don't distinguish. It overlaps conceptually with Elevation Gain (the workout-side vertical metric) and contributes to overall NEAT (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis).
Accuracy caveats:
- The barometric sensor is fooled by weather pressure changes, elevators, windy conditions, and opening doors/HVAC, so daily floor counts can be noticeably off.
- It only catches ascent; descending stairs usually doesn't count despite real (if lower) energy cost.
Treat it as a soft motivational extra (e.g. "take the stairs") rather than a precise training or energy metric. Trend it loosely if at all.
Key facts
- Floors estimated from a barometric altimeter; ~1 floor ≈ 3 m (~10 ft) ascent.
- Rewards higher-intensity incidental movement that steps don't separate.
- Counts ascent only; descent generally excluded.
- Fooled by weather, elevators, wind, HVAC — noticeably noisy.
- A motivational extra, not a precise training/energy metric.
Connections
- Steps — floors add an intensity nuance steps lack.
- Elevation Gain — the workout-side vertical metric.
- NEAT (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis) — stair climbing contributes to NEAT.
- Active Minutes — stairs often register as active minutes too.
Sources
Keep this lesson, or ask how it applies to you.
Educational content only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified professional for individualized guidance, especially around injury, pregnancy, or medical conditions.