Calorie Burning Calculator

Calorie Burning Calculator

lbs kg
Walking (Moderate – 3.5 mph) Walking (Very Brisk – 4.5 mph) Jogging (5 mph) Running (6 mph) Running (7 mph) Running (8 mph) Cycling (Moderate – 12-14 mph) Cycling (Vigorous – 14-16 mph) Swimming (Laps, Moderate) Weight Lifting (Vigorous) Weight Lifting (Light/Moderate) HIIT / Circuit Training Yoga / Hatha Elliptical Trainer Low Impact Aerobics
Estimated Energy Expenditure 0 Calories
function calculateCalories() { var weightValue = parseFloat(document.getElementById("weight").value); var unit = document.getElementById("weightUnit").value; var duration = parseFloat(document.getElementById("duration").value); var metValue = parseFloat(document.getElementById("activity").value); var resultArea = document.getElementById("resultArea"); var calorieDisplay = document.getElementById("calorieValue"); if (isNaN(weightValue) || isNaN(duration) || weightValue <= 0 || duration <= 0) { alert("Please enter valid positive numbers for weight and duration."); return; } // Convert weight to kg if it is in lbs var weightKg = weightValue; if (unit === "lbs") { weightKg = weightValue / 2.20462; } // Formula: Calories = MET * Weight(kg) * Time(hours) var durationHours = duration / 60; var totalCalories = metValue * weightKg * durationHours; calorieDisplay.innerHTML = Math.round(totalCalories).toLocaleString(); resultArea.style.display = "block"; }

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:

Total Calories = MET × Weight (kg) × Duration (hours)

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.

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