Calorie Calculator

Estimate how many calories you need per day to maintain, lose, or gain weight based on your body and activity level.

yrs
cm
kg
Maintenance Calories
2,450
calories per day (TDEE)

How to Use the Calorie Calculator

Select your units and gender, then enter your age, height, weight, and activity level. The calculator estimates your BMR (calories burned at rest) and TDEE (total daily calories burned), then shows targets for weight loss, maintenance, and gain.

The Mifflin-St Jeor Equation

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

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

TDEE = BMR × activity factor (1.2 to 1.9)

Activity Level Guide

LevelFactorDescription
Sedentary1.2Little or no exercise, desk job
Light1.375Exercise 1–3 days per week
Moderate1.55Exercise 3–5 days per week
Very active1.725Hard exercise 6–7 days per week
Extra active1.9Physical job plus daily exercise

Safe Rates of Weight Change

A daily deficit of about 500 calories leads to roughly 0.5 kg (1 lb) of weight loss per week — a safe, sustainable rate for most people. Faster loss is possible but harder to maintain and may risk muscle loss. For gain, a surplus of 250–500 calories supports gradual, lean weight gain.

Disclaimer: Estimates are for informational purposes only and are not medical or nutritional advice. Consult a qualified professional before changing your diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories should I eat per day?
Daily calorie needs depend on age, sex, weight, height, and activity level. This calculator estimates your maintenance calories (TDEE). For weight loss, eat about 500 fewer calories per day; for gain, add about 250–500.
What is TDEE?
TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure) is the total number of calories you burn in a day, including your basal metabolic rate (BMR) plus calories burned through activity and exercise.
What is BMR?
BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) is the number of calories your body burns at complete rest to maintain basic functions like breathing and circulation. This calculator uses the Mifflin-St Jeor equation, considered the most accurate for most people.
How many calories do I need to lose weight?
A common approach is a 500-calorie daily deficit, which leads to roughly 0.5 kg (1 lb) of weight loss per week. Enter your details and the calculator shows targets for loss, maintenance, and gain.
Is the Mifflin-St Jeor equation accurate?
Mifflin-St Jeor is widely considered the most accurate BMR equation for the general population. However, all equations are estimates — individual metabolism varies, so treat results as a starting point and adjust based on real-world progress.
Is this medical advice?
No. This tool provides estimates for informational purposes only and is not medical or nutritional advice. Consult a doctor or registered dietitian before changing your diet, especially if you have health conditions.

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