In short: your basal metabolic rate (BMR) is the energy your body uses at rest: breathing, circulation, keeping warm. Multiply it by your activity level and you get your total daily energy expenditure (TDEE). This calculator uses the Mifflin-St Jeor equation, the most accurate of the common formulas for healthy adults.
Mifflin-St Jeor
The equation recommended by dietetic associations for estimating resting energy needs.
Your activity
Five standard activity levels, from mostly sitting to daily training.
See what you eat
In the app, a photo of your meal gives an approximate calorie count next to your other data.
How to use it
- Choose woman or man and enter age, height and weight.
- Pick the activity level that matches a typical week.
- Read your BMR and your daily needs. Real needs can differ by about 10%.
How is BMR calculated?
Mifflin-St Jeor: 10 × weight (kg) + 6.25 × height (cm) − 5 × age (years), plus 5 for men or minus 161 for women. The result is multiplied by an activity factor from 1.2 (mostly sitting) to 1.9 (physical job and daily training).
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between BMR and TDEE?
BMR is what you burn at complete rest. TDEE adds digestion and all movement, from walking to exercise. For most people BMR is 60–70% of TDEE.
How accurate is it?
For most healthy adults it is within about 10% of measured values. It is less accurate for very muscular people, older adults and people with obesity.
Can I use it to plan weight loss?
It gives a general estimate, not a diet plan. Weight change depends on much more than one number. For a plan, talk to a doctor or a registered dietitian.
Who should not use it?
Children and teenagers, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and people with conditions that change metabolism, such as thyroid disease. Ask your doctor instead.
Is anything stored?
No. The calculation runs in your browser and nothing is sent anywhere.
