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BMR Calculator

Estimate adult basal metabolic rate with Mifflin–St Jeor, revised Harris–Benedict, or Katch–McArdle, plus a clearly labeled activity-multiplier TDEE scenario.

Use this result well

Inputs that matter
Adult age 18–100, weight and height within displayed bounds, one published sex equation constant, a BMR formula, required body-fat percentage for Katch–McArdle, and one broad activity multiplier
Output to expect
Selected adult BMR estimate, equation comparison where inputs permit, and one activity-multiplier TDEE scenario
How it works
Mifflin–St Jeor, revised Harris–Benedict, or Katch–McArdle after strict validation; TDEE scenario = selected BMR × selected activity factor
  • Not intended for minors, pregnancy, breastfeeding, diagnosis, measured expenditure, or calorie prescriptions; sex selection is only an equation input.
  • Population equations and broad activity factors can differ materially from indirect calorimetry and real expenditure; use qualified individual guidance for dietary decisions.

Choose your path

Built around the job you need to finish

Estimate adult resting energy with a deliberately selected published equation and separate it from a broad activity-multiplier scenario or dietary prescription.

Adult seeking a resting baseline

Compare a population BMR estimate without receiving an invented diet plan.

Enter adult measurements, choose Mifflin–St Jeor, and inspect BMR plus the separately labeled activity scenario.

Understands neither value is measured metabolism, diagnosis, or a safe calorie target.

Body-composition user

Use Katch–McArdle only when a body-fat estimate is available.

Select Katch–McArdle and provide a body-fat value within the supported range.

Missing or invalid body fat fails visibly instead of silently switching equations.

Risk-aware user outside scope

Know whether the tool applies during youth, pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

Review the adult-only scope before relying on an estimate.

Uses individualized clinical guidance rather than applying this population equation outside scope.

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Reference & details

How it works

Mifflin-St Jeor Equation

A commonly used adult resting-energy equation based on weight, height, age, and a published sex-specific constant. Individual error can be meaningful compared with indirect calorimetry.

Men: BMR = 10×weight(kg) + 6.25×height(cm) − 5×age + 5 | Women: BMR = 10×weight(kg) + 6.25×height(cm) − 5×age − 161

BMR vs TDEE

The selected activity factor produces a planning scenario. It does not measure exercise, digestion, non-exercise movement, adaptation, or an individual's true daily expenditure.

TDEE = BMR × Activity Factor (1.2 sedentary to 1.9 very active)

Katch–McArdle input requirement

Katch–McArdle requires a body-fat percentage to estimate lean mass. The calculator rejects missing or out-of-range body-fat input instead of silently substituting another formula.

Lean mass = weight × (1 − body-fat fraction); BMR = 370 + 21.6 × lean mass(kg)

Updated: August 2026

Example Scenarios

Calculating resting metabolic rate for a moderately active 35-year-old man planning a nutrition program.

Weight: 80 kgHeight: 178 cmAge: 35Sex: Male

BMR: ~1,780 kcal/day

An adult compares the resting estimate with a selected activity-multiplier scenario before seeking individualized nutrition guidance.

Weight: 62 kgHeight: 165 cmAge: 28Sex: Female

BMR: ~1,380 kcal/day

A gym member records consistent inputs to compare population-equation estimates over time without treating a calculated change as measured metabolic adaptation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using BMR as daily calorie target

BMR is a resting estimate. The activity multiplier is also only a scenario; neither output establishes a safe intake target. Use individualized professional guidance for dietary changes.

Not updating BMR as weight changes

Equation results change with weight and other inputs, but they do not directly measure adaptation or explain a plateau. Re-enter accurate measurements and interpret trends cautiously.

FAQ

It is a commonly used adult resting-energy equation. For the published male constant: BMR = 10×weight(kg) + 6.25×height(cm) − 5×age + 5; for the published female constant, subtract 161 instead. Results are estimates in kilocalories per day.

BMR estimates resting expenditure. This tool's TDEE multiplies BMR by a broad activity factor from 1.2–1.9, so it is an activity scenario rather than measured expenditure or a recommended intake.

This calculator cannot determine a safe intake or deficit. Needs vary with health, pregnancy or breastfeeding status, medications, activity, goals, and measured response; discuss material dietary changes with a qualified clinician or dietitian.

Age is one term in these population equations, so the estimate decreases when other inputs stay fixed. That mathematical change should not be treated as a measurement of one person's metabolism.

The equations include age and therefore return lower estimates as age rises with all other inputs unchanged. Actual resting expenditure varies and requires measurement for individual accuracy.

About BMR Calculator

Estimate resting energy expenditure for adults age 18–100, then view one activity-factor scenario. The result is a population estimate—not measured metabolism, a diagnosis, or a calorie prescription—and this tool is not intended for pregnancy, breastfeeding, or minors.