BMR Calculator
BMR (men) = 10×kg + 6.25×cm − 5×age + 5
Health & BodyHow to Use This Tool
What Is BMR?
Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is the number of calories your body burns at complete rest, just to maintain basic life functions (breathing, circulation, cell production). It represents about 60-75% of your daily calorie burn.
The Mifflin-St Jeor Equation
This calculator uses the Mifflin-St Jeor equation, considered the most accurate BMR formula for most people (developed in 1990):
Men: BMR = 10 × weight (kg) + 6.25 × height (cm) − 5 × age + 5
Women: BMR = 10 × weight (kg) + 6.25 × height (cm) − 5 × age − 161
Daily Calorie Needs (TDEE)
Multiply your BMR by an activity factor to estimate your total daily energy expenditure (TDEE):
| Activity Level | Multiplier |
|---|---|
| Sedentary (little/no exercise) | 1.2 |
| Lightly active (1-3 days/week) | 1.375 |
| Moderately active (3-5 days/week) | 1.55 |
| Very active (6-7 days/week) | 1.725 |
| Extra active (physical job + training) | 1.9 |
Formula & Explanation
The Mifflin-St Jeor equation was published in 1990 and is currently the formula recommended by the American Dietetic Association for estimating BMR in healthy adults.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between BMR and TDEE?
BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) is the calories you burn at complete rest. TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure) is BMR multiplied by an activity factor to account for daily movement and exercise. TDEE is your actual daily calorie burn.
Which BMR formula is most accurate?
The Mifflin-St Jeor equation is generally considered the most accurate for healthy adults. The older Harris-Benedict equation (1919, revised 1984) tends to overestimate BMR by about 5%. The Katch-McArdle formula is more accurate for athletes but requires knowing your body fat percentage.
How many calories should I eat to lose weight?
A common guideline is to eat 500 calories below your TDEE per day, which should produce about 1 lb (0.45 kg) of weight loss per week. However, individual results vary; consult a healthcare provider or registered dietitian for personalized advice.