BMR calculator
Your basal metabolic rate is the energy your body uses at complete rest.
BMR vs TDEE
BMR is what you'd burn lying still all day. Your total daily burn (TDEE) is higher because you move, exercise and digest food. Don't eat below your BMR for long periods without medical advice.
The formula
We use the Mifflin-St Jeor equation, which studies have found to be the most accurate of the common equations for estimating resting energy expenditure in healthy adults:
Men: BMR = 10 × weight (kg) + 6.25 × height (cm) − 5 × age + 5
Women: BMR = 10 × weight (kg) + 6.25 × height (cm) − 5 × age − 161
If you prefer not to give a sex, we use the midpoint of the two (−78). Your BMR is then multiplied by an activity factor to estimate total daily energy expenditure (TDEE):
| Activity level | Description | Multiplier |
|---|---|---|
| Sedentary | Little or no exercise, desk job | 1.2 |
| Lightly active | Exercise 1–3 days a week | 1.375 |
| Moderately active | Exercise 3–5 days a week | 1.55 |
| Very active | Hard exercise 6–7 days a week | 1.725 |
Next: TDEE calculator.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is a normal BMR?
Many adult women have a BMR of about 1,200–1,500 kcal and men 1,500–1,900 kcal, depending on size and age.
Does BMR change with age?
Yes. The equation subtracts 5 kcal per year of age, reflecting the gradual drop in resting energy use.