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TDEE & Calorie Calculator

Calculate your daily calorie needs and macros for your fitness goals

Your Details

Enables Katch-McArdle formula for more accurate results. Calculate your body fat %

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Enter your details to calculate daily calories

Understanding TDEE

TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure) is the total number of calories your body burns in a day, including all activities.

BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) is the number of calories your body burns at complete rest just to maintain vital functions.

To Lose Weight

Eat below your TDEE. A 500 calorie deficit leads to ~1 lb loss per week.

To Maintain

Eat at your TDEE. Your weight will stay stable over time.

To Gain Weight

Eat above your TDEE. A 500 calorie surplus leads to ~1 lb gain per week.

Methodology and Sources

Mifflin-St Jeor Equation (Default)

Considered the most reliable BMR prediction equation for most adults. Recommended by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for estimating resting metabolic rate.

Male: BMR = 10 * weight(kg) + 6.25 * height(cm) - 5 * age - 5

Female: BMR = 10 * weight(kg) + 6.25 * height(cm) - 5 * age - 161

Mifflin, M.D., St Jeor, S.T., et al. (1990). A new predictive equation for resting energy expenditure in healthy individuals. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 51(2), 241-247.

Katch-McArdle Formula (Body Fat Adjusted)

Uses lean body mass (LBM) instead of total weight, making it more accurate for individuals who know their body fat percentage. Especially useful for muscular or lean individuals.

BMR = 370 + 21.6 * lean body mass(kg)

McArdle, W.D., Katch, F.I. & Katch, V.L. (2010). Exercise Physiology: Nutrition, Energy, and Human Performance. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Activity Multipliers

TDEE is calculated by multiplying BMR by a Physical Activity Level (PAL) factor, ranging from 1.2 (sedentary) to 1.9 (extremely active). These multipliers are widely used in nutrition practice but do not originate from a single published source.

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Important Note

Individual metabolism varies. Monitor your progress and adjust calories as needed. Consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized advice.