What is BMR?

Basal Metabolic Rate is the number of calories your body uses at complete rest to keep essential functions running — breathing, circulation, and cell production.

Which formula does this calculator use?

The Mifflin–St Jeor equation, which is currently considered the most accurate predictive BMR formula for the general population.

BMR vs TDEE — what's the difference?

BMR is calories burned at rest. TDEE is BMR multiplied by an activity factor to account for movement and exercise. Use TDEE when planning a diet.

Why do men and women have different BMRs?

Men typically have more lean body mass, which burns more calories at rest than fat tissue. The Mifflin–St Jeor formula includes a sex-based constant to reflect this.

How are the daily calories by activity worked out?

Each row multiplies your BMR by a standard activity factor, from 1.2 for sedentary up to 1.9 for extra active. That product is your Total Daily Energy Expenditure at that activity level.