BMR Calculator
Estimate your basal metabolic rate, the calories your body burns at rest, with three standard equations.
About the BMR Calculator
BMR is the energy needed for breathing, circulation and keeping warm while at complete rest. It's typically 60–70% of the calories you burn in a day.
Mifflin-St Jeor (1990) is the most accurate general equation in studies and is recommended by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Katch-McArdle uses lean mass, so it suits people who know their body fat percentage.
The formula
Mifflin-St Jeor: 10 × weight(kg) + 6.25 × height(cm) − 5 × age + 5 (men) or − 161 (women)
- Harris-Benedict (revised 1984)
- men 88.362 + 13.397W + 4.799H − 5.677A; women 447.593 + 9.247W + 3.098H − 4.330A
- Katch-McArdle
- 370 + 21.6 × lean mass (kg)
Worked example
Example: Basal metabolic rate (Mifflin-St Jeor) = 1,928 kcal/day
- Inputs: Units: lb / ft; Sex: Male; Age: 39 years; Height: 6 ft; and: 10 in; Weight: 180 lb.
- Formula: Mifflin-St Jeor: 10 × weight(kg) + 6.25 × height(cm) − 5 × age + 5 (men) or − 161 (women)
- Result: Basal metabolic rate (Mifflin-St Jeor) = 1,928 kcal/day
- Sedentary: 2,314 kcal/day
- Light: 2,651 kcal/day
- Moderate: 2,989 kcal/day
Things to keep in mind
- This is an estimate for general information, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor or other qualified professional about your health.
- Equations can be 10% off for an individual.
Questions people ask
Is BMR the same as RMR?
Nearly. Resting metabolic rate is measured under less strict conditions and is a few percent higher.
How do I get my daily calorie needs?
Multiply BMR by an activity factor; the list shows each level, or use the TDEE calculator.