Calorie Calculator
This calorie calculator estimates the number of calories needed each day to maintain, lose, or gain weight. It provides results for different levels of physical activity based on your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR).
Use this converter to convert to the unit accepted by the calculator.
Length Converter
Your Results
| Maintain weight | 0 calories/day |
|---|---|
| Mild weight loss (0.5 lb/week) | 0 calories/day |
| Weight loss (1 lb/week) | 0 calories/day |
| Extreme weight loss (2 lb/week) | 0 calories/day |
| Mild weight gain (0.5 lb/week) | 0 calories/day |
| Weight gain (1 lb/week) | 0 calories/day |
| Fast weight gain (2 lb/week) | 0 calories/day |
About Calorie Calculator
The Calorie Calculator determines the number of calories you need to consume each day to maintain, lose, or gain weight based on your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) and activity level. Your BMR is the number of calories your body needs at rest to maintain basic functions like breathing and circulation.
How the Calculator Works
The calculator uses one of three formulas to estimate your BMR:
- Mifflin-St Jeor Equation: Considered the most accurate for most people.
- Revised Harris-Benedict Equation: An older equation that tends to overestimate calorie needs.
- Katch-McArdle Formula: More accurate for lean individuals as it accounts for body fat percentage.
After calculating your BMR, the calculator multiplies it by your activity factor to estimate your daily calorie needs.
Understanding Your Results
The results show how many calories you need to:
- Maintain weight: Your current daily calorie needs
- Lose weight: Calorie deficits of 250, 500, and 1000 calories per day (0.5, 1, and 2 lbs per week)
- Gain weight: Calorie surpluses of 250, 500, and 1000 calories per day
For healthy weight loss, aim for 1-2 lbs per week. Rapid weight loss can lead to muscle loss and other health issues.
Activity Level Definitions
- Sedentary: Little or no exercise
- Lightly active: Light exercise/sports 1-3 days/week
- Moderately active: Moderate exercise/sports 4-5 days/week
- Very active: Hard exercise/sports 6-7 days a week
- Extra active: Very hard exercise/sports & physical job or 2x training