Estimate your basal metabolic rate and total daily energy expenditure using the Mifflin-St Jeor equation. This page is useful for general calorie planning and maintenance estimates, but all results are estimates and should not replace medical advice.
What This Calculator Estimates
This calculator estimates your resting calorie needs and then scales that estimate by your activity level to produce a total daily energy expenditure estimate. It is useful for general maintenance planning, but it is not a medical or nutrition diagnosis.
Formula / Method Used
This page uses the Mifflin-St Jeor BMR equation:
- Male BMR = 10 x weight in kg + 6.25 x height in cm - 5 x age + 5
- Female BMR = 10 x weight in kg + 6.25 x height in cm - 5 x age - 161
- TDEE = BMR x activity multiplier
Worked Example
If a 32-year-old person is 70 inches tall, weighs 180 pounds, and is moderately active, the calculator converts the height and weight to metric units, estimates BMR with the Mifflin-St Jeor equation, and then multiplies BMR by the activity factor of 1.55 to estimate daily maintenance calories.
What the Result Means
BMR is your estimated baseline calorie need at rest. TDEE and maintenance calories reflect your estimated daily calorie needs after adjusting for activity level. They are useful as a starting point for nutrition planning, not a guaranteed prescription.
Common Mistakes
- Choosing an activity level that is much higher than actual day-to-day activity.
- Expecting calorie needs to stay fixed while weight or routine changes.
- Using this estimate as a diagnosis or treatment plan.
- Ignoring body composition and personal metabolic differences.
Limitations / Disclaimer
This calculator provides general health and wellness estimates only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Real calorie needs vary by body composition, health conditions, medications, and activity patterns. Results are estimates.
Last updated: May 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does this TDEE calculator estimate?
It estimates basal metabolic rate and total daily energy expenditure using the Mifflin-St Jeor equation and an activity multiplier.
What is the difference between BMR and TDEE?
BMR estimates calories burned at rest, while TDEE estimates calories burned over a full day after adjusting for activity level.
Are TDEE results exact?
No. TDEE is an estimate and real calorie needs can vary based on body composition, health, and daily activity.
Should I use this for medical advice?
No. This tool is for general education and planning only, not diagnosis or treatment.