'+weightLbs+' lbs × 0.453592 = '+weightKg.toFixed(2)+' kg
';resultHtml+='Step 2: Convert duration to hours
'+durationMin+' min ÷ 60 = '+durationHr.toFixed(2)+' hours
';resultHtml+='Step 3: Apply MET Formula
Calories = MET × Weight (kg) × Time (hrs)
';resultHtml+='Calories = '+met+' × '+weightKg.toFixed(2)+' × '+durationHr.toFixed(2)+'
';resultHtml+='Result = '+caloriesBurned.toFixed(2)+' calories
Calculator Use
The calorie burn calculator is an essential tool for anyone tracking physical activity, weight loss goals, or general fitness progress. By entering your body weight and the duration of a specific activity, you can estimate the total energy expenditure in kilocalories (kcal).
To get an accurate result, ensure you select the activity that most closely matches your level of effort. This tool uses the Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) values to provide standardized results based on international physiological research.
- Activity Type
- Select the physical exercise or daily task you performed. Different activities have different "MET" intensities.
- Body Weight (lbs)
- Enter your current weight in pounds. Since energy expenditure is directly related to moving mass, your weight is a critical variable.
- Duration (minutes)
- The total time spent actively engaged in the exercise. Do not include rest periods unless they were part of a circuit training routine.
How It Works
The science behind this calorie burn calculator relies on the MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task). One MET is defined as the energy cost of sitting quietly, which is roughly equivalent to 1 kcal/kg/hour. An activity with a MET of 5 means you are burning 5 times the energy you would at rest.
The universal formula used by this calculator is:
Total Calories = MET × Weight in kg × Time in hours
- MET: A constant value assigned to specific activities (e.g., Running 6mph = 9.8 MET).
- Weight in kg: Calculated as Body Weight in lbs divided by 2.2046 (or multiplied by 0.453592).
- Time in hours: Calculated as Duration in minutes divided by 60.
Calculation Example
Example: A 180-pound person goes for a brisk walk (3.5 mph) for 45 minutes.
Step-by-step solution:
- Convert Weight: 180 lbs × 0.453592 = 81.65 kg
- Convert Time: 45 min ÷ 60 = 0.75 hours
- Select MET: Brisk walking is 3.5 METs
- Calculate: 3.5 × 81.65 × 0.75 = 214.33
- Result: Approximately 214 Calories burned.
Common Questions
Does weight affect how many calories I burn?
Yes, significantly. A heavier person requires more energy to move their body over the same distance or for the same amount of time compared to a lighter person. This is why our calorie burn calculator requires an accurate weight input.
How accurate are MET values?
MET values are excellent for estimation but do not account for individual variations such as muscle mass percentage, age, gender, or environmental factors (like wind or incline). However, for the general population, they are the most scientifically accepted method for estimating energy expenditure without laboratory equipment.
Why do some apps show higher numbers?
Some fitness trackers include your "Basal Metabolic Rate" (BMR) inside the exercise total, while others only show "active" calories. This calculator focuses on the total energy expenditure during the specific activity window.