Customize Apple Watch units of measurements using the Watch and Health apps

Activity rings on Apple Watch

Apple has made it easier to access and change all the units of measure for metrics that you track with your workouts. You can easily change your Apple Watch to metric measurements and choose between ‘Km’ or ‘Mi’ for kilometers or miles.

Additionally, You will also be able to set up metrics for swimming, cycling, and energy units (Calories for kCal), all in one single location on your iPhone running iOS 14 and above.

Related reading:

How to change the unit of measure for workout metrics for Apple Watch

It’s all integrated into one single location!

  • Open the ‘Watch’ app on your iPhone (must run iOS 14 and higher)
  • Tap on ‘My Watch’ at the bottom of the screen
  • Scroll down to ‘Workouts’ and tap on itChange Apple watch metrics in iOS 14
  • Scroll down to the bottom of the screen and tap on ‘Units of MeasureChange Apple Watch unit of Measure in iOS 14

You can configure the units of measure associated with the various metrics for your workouts on this screen.

Change workout units of measure for Apple watch in iOS 14

Here you can choose between:
  • Calories and Kilocalories for energy units
  • Choose between Yards and Meters for swimming workouts
  • Choose Miles versus Kilometers for your cycling workouts

And finally, set up the miles or kilometers for your walking and running workouts!

Changing Metrics using Health App on your iPhone

In all iOS versions, you can change your Apple Watch to metric measurements by using the Health app. 

Once you opened up the Health app on your iPhone:

  1. Choose the Browse tab
  2. Select Activity
  3. Tap on Walking + Running Distance 
  4. Scroll all the way down to Unit and tap it
  5. Choose between km and mi for kilometers and miles

Enter height, weight, and other details for accurate workout readings

When you start with a new Apple Watch, it is important to add your personal body measurement details into the device to track your calories and other health information accurately.

To enter or update your personal information

    1. On your iPhone, begin by tapping on the Watch App
    2. Tap on ‘My Watch’ at the bottom
    3. Choose Health followed by Health DetailsEnter health details on iOS 14
    4. Tap on Edit at the top right corner of the screen
    5. Tap on any one of the fields (Birthdate, Sex, Height, or Weight)Edit WEIGHT info on iOS 14
    6. Modify the details and tap on Done

Periodically Update Weight information using Health App in iOS

As you progress through your workouts and health goals, you can also periodically update your weight at various times by using the Health app on iOS.

This way, it makes it easier to keep track of weight reduction trends associated with your workouts and other fitness programs.

  1. Open Health app on your iPhone
  2. Tap on the ‘Browse’ tab
  3. Choose ‘Body MeasurementsUpdate body measurements in Health App on iOS 14
  4. Tap on the Weight section 
  5. Choose ‘Add Data’ from the top right corner and enter your detailsUpdate Weight info on iPhone for fitness tracking
  6. It records your new weight against a date and a time of your choice.
  7. Tap on ‘Add,’ and you are done.

This is also the section where you can add in other data that helps improve the accuracy of your health metrics.

You choose to add information such as Body Mass Index (BMI) or Body Fat Percentage, waist circumference, and other related information.

Wrap up

We hope that you found this information useful. Please let us know if you have any questions using the comments below.

Do you use a third-party accessory to track your weight automatically? What is your favorite Apple fitness accessory and why?

Previous articleApple’s New Fitness App on iOS 14 more insightful and elegant than the old Activity App
Next articleA smart dog bowl and a wearable for your pet. Why not?
Sudz Niel Kar
I am a technologist with years of experience with Apple and wearOS products, have a BS in Computer Science and an MBA specializing in emerging tech, and owned the popular site AppleToolBox. In my day job, I advise Fortune 500 companies with their digital transformation strategies and also consult with numerous digital health startups in an advisory capacity. I'm VERY interested in exploring the digital health and fitness-tech evolution and keeping a close eye on patents, FDA approvals, strategic partnerships, and developments happening in the wearables and digital health sector. When I'm not writing or presenting, I run with my Apple Watch Ultra or Samsung Galaxy Watch and closely monitor my HRV and other recovery metrics.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.