Calorie Calculator
Calculate your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) and Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) using the Mifflin-St Jeor equation.
BMR
kcal
TDEE (Daily Calories)
kcal
Lose Weight (-500 kcal)
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Gain Weight (+500 kcal)
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Activity Level Multipliers
| Level | Factor | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sedentary | 1.200 | Desk job, no exercise |
| Light | 1.375 | Light exercise 1-3x/week |
| Moderate | 1.550 | Moderate exercise 3-5x/week |
| Very Active | 1.725 | Hard exercise 6-7x/week |
| Extra Active | 1.900 | Athlete or physical labor |
Frequently Asked Questions
How are daily calorie needs calculated?
Daily calorie needs are calculated using Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) multiplied by an activity factor. The Mifflin-St Jeor equation is most commonly used: BMR = 10 × weight(kg) + 6.25 × height(cm) – 5 × age – 161 for women (or +5 for men).
What is TDEE and how does it relate to weight loss?
Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) is your BMR multiplied by your activity level. To lose weight, eat 500 calories below your TDEE for about 1 pound (0.45 kg) of weight loss per week. A deficit greater than 1,000 calories/day is generally not recommended.
How does activity level affect calorie needs?
Activity multipliers range from 1.2 (sedentary) to 1.9 (very active). A sedentary person with a BMR of 1,500 needs about 1,800 calories, while the same person with an active lifestyle may need 2,550 calories. Exercise can add 200–600 calories to daily needs.
Is the Mifflin-St Jeor equation better than Harris-Benedict?
The Mifflin-St Jeor equation (1990) is considered more accurate than the Harris-Benedict equation (1919) for most people, estimating BMR within 10% of actual values. The Harris-Benedict equation tends to overestimate calorie needs by about 5%.