Health calculator

Calorie Calculator

Estimate adult daily energy needs using the Mifflin-St Jeor equation and a practical activity factor.

What is the Calorie Calculator?

The calculator first estimates resting energy use, then adjusts for activity. A small optional adjustment is shown for gradual adult weight change.

The Calcwise Calorie tool is designed to give a fast answer while keeping the arithmetic visible. Enter the requested values, check the units, and the result updates in your browser. Your calculator entries are not sent to a Calcwise server.

Choose the measurement system you use

The interactive calculator supports Metric, US customary and Imperial (UK) measurements where physical units matter. Choose the system above the form and Calcwise converts your entries internally before applying the same formula.

Your unit preference is remembered in this browser. Shared calculator links also keep the selected unit system so another person sees the values in the same units.

How to use this calculator

  1. Enter values using the units shown beside each field. In the interactive calculator, each field also shows a plain-language example or meaning guide.
  2. Check that the values describe the same period or situation where relevant.
  3. Read the main result and the supporting figures shown beside it.
  4. Use the reset button to return to the example values.

Inputs used

  • Age — Adults 18–80
  • Sex — Used by the BMR equation
  • Height — Centimetres
  • Weight — Kilograms
  • Activity level — Typical weekly activity
  • Goal — Uses only a modest adjustment

Calorie Calculator formula

BMR = 10W + 6.25H − 5A + sex constant; TDEE = BMR × activity factor.

The formula is shown so you can understand the relationship between the inputs instead of treating the result as a black box.

Worked example

A 30-year-old, 175 cm, 70 kg moderately active man has an estimated maintenance need near 2,500 kcal/day.

Your own result may differ because it uses the exact values you enter. For comparisons, keep the method and units consistent from one calculation to the next.

Important assumptions and limitations

For adults only. This is an estimate, not a diet prescription. The goal choices represent a rough adult weight trend of about 0.2 kg per week in either direction. The calculator uses a modest energy adjustment behind the scenes, but real body weight can change differently; medical conditions, pregnancy and growth need individual advice.

Calculator outputs are estimates unless the underlying arithmetic is exact by definition. For decisions involving tax filing, lending, health, contracts or institutional grading rules, use the calculator as a first check and confirm the final decision with the relevant authoritative source.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Calorie Calculator calculate?

The calculator first estimates resting energy use, then adjusts for activity. A small optional adjustment is shown for gradual adult weight change.

What formula does the Calorie Calculator use?

BMR = 10W + 6.25H − 5A + sex constant; TDEE = BMR × activity factor.

Is the Calorie Calculator result exact?

For adults only. This is an estimate, not a diet prescription. The goal choices represent a rough adult weight trend of about 0.2 kg per week in either direction. The calculator uses a modest energy adjustment behind the scenes, but real body weight can change differently; medical conditions, pregnancy and growth need individual advice.

How should I use the Calorie Calculator result?

Use the result as a practical estimate or planning check. Keep the inputs consistent, read the assumptions on this page, and verify important financial, academic or health decisions with the appropriate official or professional source when needed.

Pro mode: Energy-estimate comparison

Compare Mifflin-St Jeor with a body-fat-based Katch-McArdle estimate and show a realistic uncertainty band.

Enable Pro mode above the input form to reveal the advanced scenario fields. The normal result stays visible, and a separate Pro analysis appears underneath so you can compare the basic answer with the deeper model.

Advanced options

  • Body-fat estimate (%)
  • TDEE uncertainty band (%)