BMR Calculator

Calculate your Basal Metabolic Rate and daily calorie needs with precision

What is a BMR Calculator?

A BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) calculator is a scientific tool that determines the minimum number of calories your body needs to maintain basic physiological functions while at complete rest. This includes essential processes like breathing, circulation, cell production, nutrient processing, and protein synthesis. Understanding your BMR is crucial for effective weight management, fitness planning, and maintaining optimal health.

Our advanced BMR calculator uses the most accurate scientific formulas including the Mifflin-St Jeor equation (recommended by nutritionists), Harris-Benedict equation, and Katch-McArdle formula for those who know their body fat percentage. The calculator considers your age, gender, height, and weight to provide personalized results that form the foundation for determining your Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) and creating effective nutrition plans.

This tool is essential for fitness enthusiasts planning workout nutrition, individuals trying to lose or gain weight, athletes optimizing performance nutrition, healthcare professionals assessing patient needs, and anyone interested in understanding their metabolic health. The results help you set realistic calorie targets, plan meal portions, and make informed decisions about diet and exercise routines.

Your Stats

Age, gender, height, weight

Calculate BMR

Metabolic rate analysis

Nutrition Plan

Personalized calorie goals

Personal Information

Enter your age in years
Enter your height in centimeters
Enter your current weight in kilograms
Gender affects metabolic calculations

Activity Level

Sedentary
Little or no exercise, desk job
BMR × 1.2
Light Activity
Light exercise 1-3 days/week
BMR × 1.375
Moderate Activity
Moderate exercise 3-5 days/week
BMR × 1.55
Active
Hard exercise 6-7 days/week
BMR × 1.725
Very Active
Very hard exercise, physical job
BMR × 1.9
Basal Metabolic Rate
0
calories/day
Calories your body burns at rest for basic functions like breathing, circulation, and cell production.
Total Daily Energy Expenditure
0
calories/day
Total calories you burn per day including physical activity and exercise.

Weight Management Goals

Lose Weight
0
-500 cal/day = 1 lb/week
Maintain Weight
0
Current TDEE
Gain Weight
0
+500 cal/day = 1 lb/week

Recommended Macronutrient Breakdown

Protein
0g
0 calories
Carbohydrates
0g
0 calories
Fats
0g
0 calories

BMR Formulas & Scientific References

BMR Calculation Formulas

Mifflin-St Jeor Equation (Recommended):
Men: BMR = 10m + 6.25h 5a + 5
Women: BMR = 10m + 6.25h 5a 161

Where m = mass (kg), h = height (cm), a = age (years). Most accurate equation for modern populations, developed in 1990. Accuracy: ±10% for 68% of population.

Harris-Benedict Equation (Revised 1984):
Men: BMR = 88.362 + 13.397m + 4.799h 5.677a
Women: BMR = 447.593 + 9.247m + 3.098h 4.330a

Where m = mass (kg), h = height (cm), a = age (years). Classic equation revised in 1984. Slightly less accurate than Mifflin-St Jeor for modern lifestyles.

Katch-McArdle Formula (Body Fat Based):
BMR = 370 + 21.6 × LBM
LBM = m × (1 BF)

Where LBM = lean body mass (kg), m = total mass (kg), BF = body fat percentage (decimal). Most accurate when body fat percentage is known. Used by fitness professionals.

Activity Level Multipliers

Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE):
TDEE = BMR × AF

Where AF = activity factor. Multiplies BMR by activity level to estimate total daily calorie needs.

Activity Factors:
AFsedentary = 1.2
AFlight = 1.375
AFmoderate = 1.55
AFactive = 1.725
AFvery active = 1.9

Based on comprehensive metabolic studies and activity tracking research.

Scientific References

Mifflin et al. (1990)

Original study establishing the Mifflin-St Jeor equation with 498 healthy subjects.

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Harris & Benedict (1918, Revised 1984)

Classic metabolic research updated with modern population data by Roza & Shizgal.

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Cunningham (1991)

Validation study comparing BMR prediction equations in athletic populations.

Journal of Sports Medicine
WHO/FAO/UNU Expert Consultation

International standards for human energy requirements and metabolic calculations.

FAO Food and Nutrition

Metabolic Science

Basal Metabolic Rate Definition:

Energy expenditure at rest in thermoneutral environment, 12+ hours fasted, measured via indirect calorimetry.

Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR):

Similar to BMR but measured under less restrictive conditions. Typically 10-15% higher than BMR.

Thermic Effect of Food (TEF):

Energy cost of digesting, absorbing, and processing food. Approximately 8-10% of total daily expenditure.

Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT):

Energy expended for activities that are not sleeping, eating, or sports-like exercise.

Accuracy & Limitations

Equation Accuracy:

Mifflin-St Jeor: ±10% for 68% of population, ±20% for 95% of population.

Individual Variations:

Genetics, muscle mass, hormones, and metabolic health can cause 15-20% variation from predicted values.

Age Considerations:

Metabolic rate decreases ~2-3% per decade after age 30 due to muscle mass loss and hormonal changes.

Body Composition Impact:

Muscle tissue burns 3x more calories than fat tissue. Athletes may need body fat-based calculations.

Medical Conditions:

Thyroid disorders, diabetes, and medications can significantly affect metabolic rate. Consult healthcare providers.