Calorie Calculator
Calculate your daily calorie needs based on age, weight, and activity.
How to use this tool
Why use this tool
FAQ
What formula does this calculator use?
What is the difference between BMR and TDEE?
How many calories should I eat to lose weight?
Why does my calorie need change as I lose weight?
Are all calories equal?
About Calorie Calculator
This calculator estimates your daily calorie needs using the Mifflin-St Jeor equation — the formula most recommended by registered dietitians and validated in peer-reviewed research as the most accurate for estimating calorie needs in non-obese adults. Enter your age, weight, height, and activity level to get your Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE).
The Mifflin-St Jeor Equation
For men: BMR = 10 × weight(kg) + 6.25 × height(cm) − 5 × age + 5. For women: BMR = 10 × weight(kg) + 6.25 × height(cm) − 5 × age − 161. BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) is the calories your body burns at complete rest. Your TDEE multiplies BMR by an activity factor: 1.2 for sedentary, 1.375 for lightly active, 1.55 for moderately active, 1.725 for very active, and 1.9 for extremely active.
Using Your TDEE for Weight Goals
Your TDEE is your maintenance calorie level — eat this amount and your weight stays stable. To lose weight, create a calorie deficit: eating 500 fewer calories per day than your TDEE results in approximately 0.5 kg of weight loss per week (since 1 kg of body fat contains roughly 7,700 calories). To gain weight or build muscle, eat 250–500 calories above your TDEE. Avoid deficits larger than 1,000 calories per day without medical guidance, as they can cause muscle loss and nutrient deficiencies.
When to Recalculate
Your calorie needs change as your weight changes. A person who has lost 10 kg burns fewer calories at rest than they did at their starting weight. Recalculate every 4–6 weeks or after every 5 kg of weight change to keep your targets accurate. Also update your activity level if your routine changes — a sedentary person who starts exercising five days a week needs significantly more calories to support recovery and performance.