Does Garmin Vivofit 3 Track Floors Climbed? A Full Guide to Floor Tracking in 2025
Activity trackers are becoming more advanced with each iteration, and users expect accuracy in all areas, including step count, distance, and elevation. One of the common questions fitness enthusiasts often ask is: Does the Garmin Vivofit 3 track floors climbed? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into how the Garmin Vivofit 3 measures vertical movement, its accuracy in floor tracking, and how it compares to other fitness trackers on the market in 2025.
1. Garmin Vivofit 3 Overview: A Quick Introduction
Before we dive into the specifics of floor tracking, let’s first take a brief look at the Garmin Vivofit 3. The Garmin Vivofit 3 is a budget-friendly activity tracker that packs a punch with essential fitness features. Unlike other more expensive models, the Vivofit 3 is designed to be a simple, no-frills fitness tracker that focuses on daily health metrics without overwhelming users with unnecessary functions.
The Vivofit 3 offers key features like step counting, distance tracking, calorie burn estimation, and sleep monitoring. One of its standout features is its long-lasting battery that can last up to one year, making it one of the most low-maintenance fitness trackers available.
2. How Does Garmin Vivofit 3 Track Floors Climbed?
Now, let’s get to the heart of the question: Does the Garmin Vivofit 3 track floors climbed?
The short answer is yes, but with a few important details to note. The Garmin Vivofit 3 tracks floors using an altimeter, a sensor that detects changes in altitude. This sensor allows the device to track when you go upstairs, on an incline, or climb any vertical height. According to Garmin, it counts every 10 feet (3 meters) of elevation as one floor.
This means that for every 10-foot vertical climb, the tracker will add one floor to your total count. So, whether you’re climbing stairs, a hill, or using an incline on a treadmill, the Vivofit 3 can detect and track your movements in real time.
What Does 5 ATM Water Resistance Mean for Floor Tracking?
The Garmin Vivofit 3 also comes with a 5 ATM water resistance rating, which means it can withstand depths of up to 50 meters underwater. However, this does not mean the Vivofit 3 is “fully waterproof,” but it does mean the tracker can handle sweat, rain, and even light swimming. This water resistance also plays a role in durability during activities like stair climbing or outdoor hiking, where the tracker might be exposed to rain.
3. Is Floor Climbing Data Accurate?
Garmin’s altimeter is accurate for measuring vertical elevation, but like all fitness tracking technologies, it has its limitations. While the Vivofit 3 does a great job tracking floor climbs from stairs or small inclines, it may not register climbs when the incline is too shallow or gradual. For example, walking uphill on a slight slope or hiking on a gentle incline might not register as a “floor” unless it meets the minimum vertical threshold.
Additionally, the altimeter sensor can sometimes be less accurate during non-stair-related elevation changes. For example, if you’re walking on a treadmill at an incline or on an uneven surface, it may not always register every change in elevation correctly. However, for most users, the floor count should be close enough for everyday activity tracking.
4. Swimming and Other Outdoor Activities
One of the benefits of the Garmin Vivofit 3 is its versatility. While many trackers require removal when swimming or getting wet, the Vivofit 3 can handle rain, sweat, and light swimming without issue due to its water-resistant rating. However, because the tracker uses an altimeter to detect elevation, it won’t necessarily track floors when you’re underwater (such as when swimming laps).
That said, the Vivofit 3 remains a reliable companion for indoor swimmers, as it’s able to monitor your movements while you’re in the water and continue to track steps and calories burned. It’s important to note that the tracker is primarily focused on elevation changes while you’re walking or climbing, not in-depth elevation tracking like some advanced fitness watches designed for extreme sports.
5. Garmin Vivofit 3 vs. Other Fitness Trackers for Floor Tracking
When it comes to floor tracking, how does the Garmin Vivofit 3 compare to other trackers on the market? Let’s look at a few other popular fitness trackers and how they measure floors climbed:
- Fitbit Charge 5: The Fitbit Charge series also includes an altimeter sensor for tracking floors climbed, with an emphasis on accurate stair tracking.
- Apple Watch Series 7: This premium smartwatch offers advanced altitude tracking with a barometric altimeter, giving it a more precise reading of elevation changes in outdoor activities like hiking or running in the mountains.
- Samsung Galaxy Fit 2: Samsung’s fitness tracker uses accelerometer sensors to track floors, though it may not be as precise as Garmin’s altimeter in terms of vertical elevation accuracy.
While the Garmin Vivofit 3 may not offer the advanced tracking features of premium trackers, it holds its own in the budget-friendly category, especially for users who need accurate, no-frills floor tracking.
6. How to Maximize Your Garmin Vivofit 3 Floor Tracking
To make the most of the Garmin Vivofit 3’s floor tracking capabilities, here are a few tips:
- Take the Stairs: For the most accurate floor count, use stairs whenever possible. This is the easiest way to ensure that the device registers a floor.
- Use Incline Treadmills: If you enjoy running or walking on treadmills, adjust the incline to simulate real-world elevation and get more accurate floor tracking data.
- Monitor Your Daily Activity: Make sure your activity level is high enough to meet the 10-foot elevation threshold. If you’re engaging in activities like hiking, climbing, or walking up a hill, the tracker should register floor climbs.
Conclusion: Should You Choose the Garmin Vivofit 3 for Floor Tracking?
In conclusion, the Garmin Vivofit 3 is a great fitness tracker for those looking for a budget-friendly option that provides basic, reliable floor tracking. While it may not offer the precision or advanced features of higher-end models, it excels at tracking floors climbed in daily activities such as stair climbing, hiking, or walking on inclined surfaces. For users who want a simple, durable tracker that tracks their vertical movement, the Vivofit 3 is a solid choice.
For more in-depth information about floor tracking and other features of the Garmin Vivofit 3, you can read the complete guide on Garmin Vivofit 3 Floor Tracking.
