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Calorie Calculator

Healthy food and measuring tape

Calorie Calculator

Take control of your diet with a calorie calculator

Age

Ages 15 - 80

Please enter an age between 15 and 80

Sex

Please select one

Height

Please enter a height between 100 and 250 cm

Weight

Please enter a weight between 20 and 300 kg

Activity

Please choose an activity level

Result

These are daily calorie estimates you can use as a guide for how much to eat each day to maintain, lose, or gain weight at the chosen rate.

100%0calories/day
Maintain weight
93%0calories/day
Mild weight loss0.25 kg/week
79%0calories/day
Weight loss0.5 kg/week
59%0calories/day
Severe weight loss1 kg/week

Want to learn more about your calorie results?

Speak to a doctor

Many people want to calculate their basal calories — the minimum energy the body needs at rest to maintain vital functions such as breathing, digestion and blood circulation. Consuming this amount keeps weight stable, provided the person stays at rest and does not engage in extra activity throughout the day.

How basal calories are calculated

Basal calories can be estimated using several equations, including the Harris-Benedict equation and the Mifflin-St Jeor equation. These calculate the basal metabolic rate (BMR) — the rate at which the body burns calories while at rest throughout the day.

The Mifflin-St Jeor equation is one of the most accurate, taking several factors into account that primarily determine how many calories the body requires, namely:

  • Age
  • Height
  • Weight
  • Sex

The Mifflin-St Jeor equation

The formula for basal daily calorie needs (in calories) is:

For men10 × weight (kg) + 6.25 × height (cm) − 5 × age (years) + 5
For women10 × weight (kg) + 6.25 × height (cm) − 5 × age (years) − 161

The result is then multiplied by an activity factor to estimate total daily calories — which is exactly what the calculator above does.

Why calculating your calories helps

Knowing how many calories your body needs helps you gain or lose weight by comparing the calories you consume each day with what your body actually requires.

To lose weight, you reduce your daily intake below your body's needs. To gain weight, you consume more than your body needs. In both cases, activity level plays a major role in the total number of calories you burn each day.

References

  1. Shereen Lehman. How Many Calories Should I Eat in a Day? Retrieved 11 December 2021.
  2. Jenna Fletcher. What to know about basal metabolic rate. Retrieved 11 December 2021.
  3. Rachael Link. How Many Calories Should You Eat Per Day to Lose Weight? Retrieved 11 December 2021.

This tool provides general estimates for information only and does not replace professional medical advice.

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