BMR Calculator

Calculate daily calorie needs

About BMR & TDEE
BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate)
  • • Calories burned at complete rest
  • • Energy for basic body functions
  • • 60-70% of total daily calories
  • • Calculated using Mifflin-St Jeor equation
TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure)
  • • BMR + activity calories
  • • Total calories needed per day
  • • Includes exercise and daily activities
  • • Used for weight management goals
Health Disclaimer
BMR and calorie calculations are for general informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical or nutritional advice. Individual metabolic rates vary based on genetics, body composition, hormones, and other factors not captured by these formulas. Always consult healthcare professionals or registered dietitians before making significant changes to your diet or exercise routine. TopCalculatorOnline is not responsible for any health decisions made based on these calculations.

How This BMR Calculator Works

Our free BMR Calculator estimates your Basal Metabolic Rate - the number of calories your body burns at complete rest. Enter your age, gender, height, weight, and activity level to get both your BMR and Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE), plus calorie targets for weight loss, maintenance, and weight gain.

The calculator uses the Mifflin-St Jeor equation, which is widely considered the most accurate formula for estimating BMR. It also provides a macronutrient breakdown (protein, carbs, fat) based on your calorie needs to help you plan a balanced diet.

BMR Formula (Mifflin-St Jeor Equation)

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

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

Your TDEE is then calculated by multiplying your BMR by an activity factor:

Activity LevelFactorDescription
Sedentary1.2Little or no exercise, desk job
Lightly Active1.375Light exercise 1-3 days/week
Moderately Active1.55Moderate exercise 3-5 days/week
Very Active1.725Hard exercise 6-7 days/week
Extra Active1.9Very hard exercise, physical job

Example Calculation

For a 30-year-old male, 175 cm tall, 70 kg, moderately active:

MetricValue
BMR1,648 calories/day
TDEE (moderately active)2,554 calories/day
Weight Loss (-500 cal)2,054 calories/day
Weight Gain (+500 cal)3,054 calories/day

Frequently Asked Questions

BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) is the number of calories your body burns at complete rest - just for basic functions like breathing and circulation. TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure) includes your BMR plus all the calories burned through daily activities, exercise, and digestion. TDEE is the number you should use for diet planning.

No, you should not eat below your BMR without medical supervision. Your BMR represents the minimum energy your body needs for basic functions. Eating below this level can slow your metabolism, cause muscle loss, and lead to nutrient deficiencies. Instead, create a moderate caloric deficit below your TDEE (500-750 calories).

Yes, BMR naturally decreases with age, primarily due to loss of muscle mass and changes in hormonal activity. After age 20, BMR decreases by about 1-2% per decade. This is why maintaining muscle through strength training becomes increasingly important as you age - muscle tissue burns more calories than fat tissue even at rest.

You can boost your metabolism by building lean muscle through strength training, staying physically active, eating enough protein (which has a higher thermic effect), staying hydrated, getting adequate sleep (7-9 hours), and avoiding crash diets that can slow your metabolic rate. Even small increases in daily activity add up over time.

Related health tools: BMI Calculator to check your body mass index, Body Fat Calculator for body composition analysis, or Pregnancy & Ovulation Calculator.

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