Daily Calorie Needs Calculator
Calculate your daily calorie requirements for your goals
Daily Calorie Needs Calculator
Calculate your daily calorie requirements for your goals
Calculate Your Calorie Needs
Understanding the Calculations
BMR Formula (Mifflin-St Jeor Equation)
TDEE Formula
What is BMR?
Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is the number of calories your body burns at rest to maintain vital functions like breathing, circulation, and cell production.
What is TDEE?
Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) is the total number of calories you burn in a day, including your BMR plus calories burned through activity and exercise.
Activity Level Guide
Calorie Goals for Different Objectives
To lose approximately 1 pound (0.45 kg) per week, create a daily deficit of 500 calories below your TDEE. This results in a 3,500 calorie weekly deficit.
Safe weight loss: 1-2 lbs (0.5-1 kg) per week
Consume calories equal to your TDEE to maintain your current weight. This balances energy intake with energy expenditure.
To gain approximately 1 pound (0.45 kg) per week, create a daily surplus of 500 calories above your TDEE. Combine with strength training for muscle growth.
Recommended: 0.5-1 lb (0.25-0.5 kg) per week for lean muscle gain
Important Considerations
Factors Affecting Calorie Needs:
- • Body composition (muscle vs. fat ratio)
- • Genetics and metabolism
- • Hormone levels and health conditions
- • Sleep quality and stress levels
- • Environmental temperature
Using This Calculator:
- • Results are estimates based on population averages
- • Individual needs may vary by ±10-20%
- • Monitor your weight and adjust calories as needed
- • Consult healthcare providers for medical conditions
- • Quality of calories matters as much as quantity
Calorie Needs Comparison by Activity Level
Activity Level | Multiplier | Example BMR (1,500) | TDEE |
---|---|---|---|
Sedentary | 1.2 | 1,500 cal | 1,800 cal |
Lightly Active | 1.375 | 1,500 cal | 2,063 cal |
Moderately Active | 1.55 | 1,500 cal | 2,325 cal |
Very Active | 1.725 | 1,500 cal | 2,588 cal |
Extra Active | 1.9 | 1,500 cal | 2,850 cal |
* Example shows TDEE calculations for a person with BMR of 1,500 calories at different activity levels
Healthy Eating Tips
Focus on Quality:
- • Choose whole, unprocessed foods
- • Include plenty of fruits and vegetables
- • Select lean protein sources
- • Opt for whole grains over refined grains
Smart Habits:
- • Stay hydrated (8+ glasses of water daily)
- • Eat balanced meals throughout the day
- • Practice portion control
- • Get adequate sleep (7-9 hours)