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Nutrition

BMR & Calorie Calculator

Calculate your Basal Metabolic Rate and daily calorie needs based on your activity level.

What is Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)?

Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is the number of calories your body needs to maintain basic physiological functions at complete rest — breathing, circulation, cell production and temperature regulation. It represents 60–75% of total daily energy expenditure and is the foundation for calculating nutritional needs.

How is it calculated?

Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is the energy the body expends at complete rest to maintain vital functions. There are three main formulas used to estimate it: the Mifflin–St Jeor equation (1990), considered the most accurate for the general population according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; the Harris–Benedict equation revised by Roza and Shizgal (1984), an update of the original 1919 formula; and the Katch–McArdle formula, the most accurate for individuals who know their fat‑free mass because it removes body fat from the calculation.

Formula

Mifflin - Men: BMR = (10 × kg) + (6.25 × cm) − (5 × age) + 5Mifflin - Women: BMR = (10 × kg) + (6.25 × cm) − (5 × age) − 161Revised Harris–Benedict — Men: 88.362 + (13.397 × kg) + (4.799 × cm) − (5.677 × age)Katch–McArdle: BMR = 370 + (21.6 × fat‑free mass in kg)

⚠️ Limitations

All BMR formulas are estimates with a ±10% margin of error compared to laboratory‑measured metabolic expenditure. Stress, sleep, body temperature, and hormonal status affect true BMR but are not accounted for in any equation.

FAQ

BMR is the energy your body burns at complete rest. TDEE adds physical activity and the thermic effect of food on top of BMR.
Mifflin-St Jeor (1990) is generally considered more accurate for modern populations. Harris-Benedict tends to overestimate slightly.
Eating below your BMR long-term is not recommended as it can cause muscle loss and metabolic slowdown. A safe minimum is 80% of BMR.
Recalculate every 4–6 weeks or whenever your weight, activity level or body composition changes significantly.