What's the difference between BMR and TDEE?
BMR is rest calories; TDEE includes all activity. TDEE = BMR × activity factor.
Health Fitness
Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) Calculator
Calculate your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) to understand your daily calorie needs.
Understand Your Calorie Needs
Estimate the number of calories your body needs at rest to maintain basic bodily functions.
What this calculator does
Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is calories your body burns at rest for basic functions like breathing and circulation. BMR accounts for 60-75% of total daily energy expenditure. The Mifflin-St Jeor equation is the most accurate modern method.
How it works
Mifflin-St Jeor considers weight, height, age, and sex. TDEE = BMR × activity multiplier (1.2 sedentary to 1.9 very active).
Formula
Male: (10×kg) + (6.25×cm) - (5×age) + 5. Female: (10×kg) + (6.25×cm) - (5×age) - 161.
Tips for using this calculator
- BMR decreases 2-8% per decade after age 30
- Building muscle increases BMR
- Extreme calorie restriction lowers BMR
- Track actual weight changes over 2-4 weeks to calibrate
- Estimates are less accurate at body extremes
Frequently asked questions
Does BMR change over time?
Yes, it decreases with age and weight loss, increases with muscle gain.
Is Mifflin-St Jeor accurate for everyone?
Most accurate for normal BMI. May under/overestimate for very muscular or high body fat individuals.