Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)
Calories burned at complete rest. Your base metabolism.
TDEE — Moderately Active
Calories to maintain your current weight at your activity level.
Daily Macros — 2,649 cal target
Based on Mifflin-St Jeor formula (most accurate for most adults). Results are estimates — individual metabolism varies. Consult a nutritionist for a personalized plan.
Total Daily Energy Expenditure quantifies every calorie your body burns in 24 hours — from basal organ function to deliberate exercise and the thermic effect of food. Knowing your TDEE lets you set a precise calorie target rather than guessing: eat below it to lose fat, at it to maintain weight, or above it to build muscle. The Mifflin-St Jeor equation used here was validated across diverse adult populations and is the formula most frequently cited in clinical nutrition research.
The calculator first computes BMR using the Mifflin-St Jeor formula. For males: BMR = (10 × kg) + (6.25 × cm) − (5 × age) + 5. For females: BMR = (10 × kg) + (6.25 × cm) − (5 × age) − 161. Imperial inputs are converted to metric before calculation (1 lb = 0.4536 kg; 1 inch = 2.54 cm).
TDEE is then calculated by multiplying BMR by the appropriate Harris-Benedict activity factor (1.2 to 1.9). Your goal modifier is applied on top of TDEE: a 500 calorie/day deficit for moderate weight loss, maintenance at TDEE, or a 250–500 calorie surplus for muscle gain.
The macro breakdown splits goal calories into protein (30%), carbohydrates (40%), and fat (30%) for a balanced starting point — each gram of protein or carbohydrate provides 4 kcal and each gram of fat provides 9 kcal.
A 28-year-old software engineer who sits all day calculating their sedentary TDEE to understand why eating 2,000 calories has stopped producing weight loss.
A recreational runner training for a half-marathon recalculating their TDEE after increasing weekly mileage from 20 km to 50 km to avoid under-fueling.
A personal trainer entering client metrics to present a data-backed starting calorie recommendation rather than using a generic 1,200-calorie diet suggestion.
A college student trying to add lean muscle mass calculating a 300-calorie daily surplus above TDEE to gain weight gradually without excessive fat gain.
Scope note: TDEE formulas estimate average energy expenditure and carry an error margin of ±10–15% for any individual due to genetic variability, hormonal differences, and measurement inaccuracy. Adjust your intake based on 2–3 weeks of real-world weight change data rather than trusting the formula absolutely. Consult a registered dietitian for medical nutrition therapy.
Select your gender and enter your age
Enter your height and weight — toggle between metric (cm/kg) and imperial (ft/lbs)
Choose your activity level based on your weekly exercise
Select your goal — lose weight, maintain, or gain muscle
View your BMR, TDEE, goal calories, and recommended macros instantly
Task trackers, project planners, and automation scripts that save hours every week. Starting at $4.
Browse Productivity Kits