The "600-2 800-2" rule is a modern, simplified adaptation of Naismith’s Rule, a classic formula used by hikers and mountaineers to estimate travel time in rugged terrain. Specifically, the metric version of the rule suggests that you should allow 1 hour for every 5 kilometers (approx. 3 miles) of forward progress, plus an additional 1 hour for every 600 meters (approx. 2,000 feet) of vertical ascent. In 2026, many hiking clubs refine this for different fitness levels: a fit hiker might use a "5-600" base, while a slower group or those with heavy packs might use a "4-450" ratio. The rule is vital for safety, as it prevents hikers from being caught on a mountain after dark; for example, a 10km hike with 1,200m of climbing would be calculated as 2 hours for distance plus 2 hours for height, totaling 4 hours of active walking time. This does not include stops for food or photography, so most 2026 "Route Cards" add an extra 15–20% buffer to the final Naismith calculation to ensure a safe and enjoyable return.
The “600 2 800 2 rule” is a guideline used in real estate investing, specifically for evaluating rental properties. It’s a quick, back-of-the-napkin calculation to see if a property’s numbers are worth a deeper look.
Here’s what it means:
The “2” in the name simply refers to the two different thresholds (600 and 800).
Example: For a property listed at $400,000: $400,000 / $100,000 = 4 4 x 600 = $2,400 (minimum target rent) 4 x 800 = $3,200 (strong target rent)
According to the rule, this $400,000 property should generate between $2,400 and $3,200 in monthly rent to be considered a good potential investment.