Illustration of a person beside a height scale with a tape measure and scales.

BMR & TDEE

Daily calorie estimates

BMR is energy at rest; TDEE adds activity. Uses the Mifflin–St Jeor equation — a common starting point, not a personal prescription.

Whole stones and pounds (LB)
Whole feet and inches
Basal metabolic rate (BMR)
Total daily energy (TDEE)

Male: BMR = 10×kg + 6.25×cm − 5×age + 5. Female: … − 161. TDEE = BMR × activity factor.

Not medical advice. Actual needs vary with health, muscle mass, and more.

How BMR and TDEE estimates work

Calories at rest and across a day

BMR (basal metabolic rate) estimates energy use at rest. TDEE multiplies BMR by an activity factor to approximate total daily energy expenditure. This page uses published equations (such as Mifflin–St Jeor style inputs on the form) for educational planning — not clinical metabolic cart results.

Worked example

Two adults with similar weight can show different BMR if height, age, or sex inputs differ. Choosing a higher activity multiplier raises TDEE and therefore maintenance-calorie estimates.

Common mistakes

  • Overstating activity level (“very active” every day).
  • Eating far below BMR for long periods without guidance.
  • Ignoring that trackers and equations disagree.

FAQs

Guide?
BMR, TDEE, and calorie deficits.
Macros next?
Macro Calculator.

When this page helps

Use it when you want a transparent, browser-side calculation with the assumptions spelled out — then verify anything high-stakes against primary docs, a professional, or your own measurements. The related links below point to sibling tools and longer guides when you need more context.

Accuracy notes

Results depend entirely on the numbers you enter and the simplified model described above. Device clocks, tape measurements, market rates, and recipe conventions can all differ from a perfect textbook case. If an output looks surprising, re-check units first, then re-read the formula section.

Related: Macros, Weight Change Timeline, Protein.

Last updated: July 2026