Calories Burned Exercise Calculator
Estimate the energy expenditure of your workout based on MET values.
How to Use the Exercise Calculator
Calculating the number of calories burned during physical activity is a crucial part of managing weight and optimizing fitness performance. Our calculator uses the MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) system to provide an accurate estimation based on your body weight and the intensity of the specific exercise.
What is a MET Value?
A MET is a unit used to estimate the amount of oxygen used by the body during physical activity.
- 1 MET: The energy you spend sitting quietly at rest.
- 3-6 METs: Moderate-intensity activities (like brisk walking).
- >6 METs: Vigorous-intensity activities (like running or competitive sports).
The Science Behind the Calculation
The standard formula for calculating calories burned per minute is:
Our calculator simplifies this by multiplying the MET value by your weight (kg) and the fraction of an hour spent exercising (Duration / 60), which provides a reliable estimate for total energy expenditure.
Example Calculation
If a person weighs 80 kg and goes for a 30-minute run at a 5 mph pace (MET value of 8.0):
- Weight: 80 kg
- MET: 8.0
- Duration: 0.5 hours (30/60)
- Calculation: 8.0 × 80 × 0.5 = 320 Calories Burned
Factors That Influence Calorie Burn
While this calculator provides a high-quality estimate, several individual factors can influence your actual results:
- Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR): Your age and sex influence how many calories you burn naturally.
- Muscle Mass: Muscle tissue burns more calories than fat, even at rest.
- Environmental Conditions: Exercising in extreme heat or cold can increase energy expenditure.
- Fitness Level: As you become more fit, your body often becomes more efficient, potentially burning fewer calories for the same intensity.