Calorie Burning Calculator
Understanding Calorie Burning and METs
Calculating how many calories you burn during exercise is essential for weight management, athletic performance, and general health tracking. Our calculator uses the MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) method, which is the gold standard for estimating energy expenditure across different activities.
What is a MET?
One MET is defined as the energy you expend while sitting quietly. For the average adult, this is approximately 1 calorie per kilogram of body weight per hour. When you perform an activity with a MET value of 8 (like running), you are burning 8 times as many calories as you would at rest.
How the Calculation Works
To determine your total burn, we use the scientific formula:
Example Calculation
If a person weighs 180 lbs (approx. 81.6 kg) and goes for a 45-minute jog (MET 7.0):
- Weight in kg: 180 / 2.20462 = 81.64 kg
- Duration in hours: 45 / 60 = 0.75 hours
- Calculation: 7.0 (MET) × 81.64 (kg) × 0.75 (hrs) = 428.6 Calories
Factors That Influence Calorie Burn
While this calculator provides a highly accurate estimate, individual results may vary based on:
- Muscle Mass: Muscle burns more calories than fat, even at rest.
- Age: Metabolic rate typically slows down as we age.
- Environmental Factors: Exercising in extreme heat or cold can increase calorie expenditure.
- Efficiency: As you become more skilled at an activity (like swimming), your body may become more efficient and burn fewer calories.
Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only. Consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new vigorous exercise program.