Wondering how many calories you need each day? Our free Calorie Calculator estimates your daily calorie needs based on your age, gender, height, weight, and activity level.
Enter your details below to calculate your estimated BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) and daily calories needed to maintain your current weight. The calculator also provides estimated calorie targets for weight loss and weight gain.
The calculation uses the Mifflin-St Jeor equation, a commonly used formula for estimating resting energy needs, followed by an activity multiplier to estimate daily calorie requirements.
Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)
Your estimated BMR is 0 calories/day.
BMR is the estimated number of calories your body needs at rest to support basic functions such as breathing and circulation.
How Does the Calorie Calculator Work?
The calculator first estimates your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR). This is the approximate amount of energy your body needs to support basic functions while at rest.
It then considers your selected activity level to estimate your Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE), which gives you a better idea of how many calories you may need each day.
Your actual calorie needs can be different from the calculator’s estimate because factors such as body composition, daily movement, exercise, and other individual differences can affect energy expenditure.
What Is BMR?
BMR stands for Basal Metabolic Rate. It represents the energy your body uses to maintain essential functions such as breathing, circulation, and other basic processes while at rest.
The Mifflin-St Jeor equation estimates BMR using your age, height, weight, and sex.
What Is TDEE?
TDEE stands for Total Daily Energy Expenditure. It is an estimate of the calories you use throughout the day after taking your physical activity into account.
For this calculator, TDEE is estimated by multiplying BMR by an activity factor. Common factors include 1.2 for sedentary activity, 1.375 for lightly active, 1.55 for moderately active, and 1.725 for very active.
How Many Calories Do I Need?
There isn’t one calorie number that works for everyone. Your estimated daily calorie needs depend on factors such as age, height, weight, sex, and activity level.
Use the result from this calculator as a starting estimate, rather than an exact measurement of your body’s calorie requirements.
FAQs
Q1. What is a calorie calculator?
A calorie calculator estimates how many calories you may need each day based on information such as your age, sex, height, weight, and physical activity level.
Q2. How accurate is a calorie calculator?
A calorie calculator provides an estimate, not an exact measurement. Your actual calorie needs can vary depending on factors such as body composition, activity, exercise, and daily movement.
Q3. What is the difference between BMR and daily calorie needs?
BMR is the estimated energy your body needs at rest. Daily calorie needs also account for your physical activity, so they are generally higher than your BMR.
Q4. How many calories should I eat to lose weight?
Weight loss generally requires consuming fewer calories than you use over time. The amount of calorie reduction that is appropriate varies from person to person, so avoid treating a calculator’s weight-loss number as a guaranteed target.
Q5. Can I use this calorie calculator to gain weight?
Yes. The calculator provides an estimated calorie target for weight gain by adding calories to your estimated maintenance needs. Your results are only a starting point, and your progress should be monitored over time.