Calorie Burn Calculator
Estimate the calories you burn during a specific activity based on your body weight and the duration of the exercise.
Understanding Calorie Burn
The number of calories burned during physical activity is influenced by several factors, including your body weight, the intensity of the activity, and how long you perform it. This calculator uses a widely accepted formula to provide an estimated calorie expenditure.
The Science Behind Calorie Burn Calculation
The most common formula used to estimate calorie expenditure is based on the Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET). MET is a measure of the energy cost (how much energy you burn) of a physical activity compared to resting metabolism. A MET value of 1 represents the energy expenditure of sitting quietly. Higher MET values indicate more intense activities.
The formula for calculating calories burned per minute is:
Calories Burned Per Minute = (METs * 3.5 * Weight in kg) / 200
To get the total calories burned for a specific duration, you multiply the calories burned per minute by the total duration in minutes:
Total Calories Burned = Calories Burned Per Minute * Duration in minutes
Therefore, the complete formula implemented in this calculator is:
Total Calories Burned = ((METs * 3.5 * Weight in kg) / 200) * Duration in minutes
Key Components Explained:
- Weight (kg): A heavier individual will generally burn more calories than a lighter individual performing the same activity because they have more mass to move.
- Activity Intensity (METs): This is the core factor representing how hard your body is working. High-intensity activities (higher MET values) demand more energy and thus burn more calories per unit of time.
- Duration (minutes): The longer you engage in an activity, the more total calories you will burn.
How to Use This Calculator:
- Enter Your Weight: Provide your body weight in kilograms.
- Select an Activity: Choose the physical activity you performed from the dropdown menu. Each option is associated with a typical MET value.
- Enter Duration: Specify how many minutes you engaged in the activity.
- Calculate: Click the button to see your estimated calorie burn.
Important Considerations:
This calculator provides an estimate. Actual calorie burn can vary based on individual metabolism, fitness level, environmental conditions, and precise exertion during the activity. It's a useful tool for general tracking and understanding your energy expenditure. For precise measurements, consider using a heart rate monitor or consulting a fitness professional.