The number of calories burned during physical activity is a crucial metric for health, fitness, and weight management. This calculator provides an estimate based on your body weight, the duration of your activity, and the intensity of the activity.
The Science Behind the Calculation
The most common formula used to estimate calories burned during exercise is based on the concept of METs (Metabolic Equivalents). A MET represents the ratio of your working metabolic rate relative to your resting metabolic rate. One MET is defined as the energy expenditure of sitting quietly.
The formula typically used is:
Calories Burned = (METs x Body Weight in kg x Duration in hours) x 1.05
Alternatively, when duration is in minutes:
Calories Burned = (METs x Body Weight in kg x Duration in minutes) / 200
Our calculator uses the second formula (duration in minutes) for ease of input.
Key Components Explained:
MET Value: This is a measure of the intensity of an activity. A MET value of 1 is equivalent to sitting still. Activities with higher MET values are more intense and burn more calories. The options provided in the dropdown are common estimates for various activities.
Body Weight (kg): Your body mass significantly influences calorie expenditure. Heavier individuals generally burn more calories performing the same activity than lighter individuals because they need to move more mass.
Activity Duration (minutes): The longer you engage in an activity, the more calories you will burn.
How to Use This Calculator:
Enter your current Weight in kilograms.
Input the Duration of your activity in minutes.
Select the MET Value that best represents your chosen activity from the dropdown list. If you're unsure, choose an option that seems closest to the intensity you experienced.
Click "Calculate Calories Burned".
Important Considerations:
This calculator provides an estimate. Individual calorie expenditure can vary due to factors like age, sex, fitness level, body composition, and environmental conditions.
For precise measurements, consider using a heart rate monitor or a fitness tracker that accounts for more physiological variables.
Consult with a healthcare professional or a certified fitness trainer for personalized advice on exercise and nutrition.
Understanding your estimated calorie expenditure can be a valuable tool in achieving your fitness and weight management goals.
function calculateCalories() {
var weight = parseFloat(document.getElementById("weight").value);
var duration = parseFloat(document.getElementById("duration").value);
var metValue = parseFloat(document.getElementById("metValue").value);
var resultDiv = document.getElementById("result");
resultDiv.style.display = 'block';
if (isNaN(weight) || weight <= 0) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Please enter a valid weight (in kg).";
resultDiv.style.backgroundColor = "#dc3545"; /* Error red */
return;
}
if (isNaN(duration) || duration <= 0) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Please enter a valid duration (in minutes).";
resultDiv.style.backgroundColor = "#dc3545"; /* Error red */
return;
}
if (isNaN(metValue) || metValue <= 0) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Please select a valid MET value.";
resultDiv.style.backgroundColor = "#dc3545"; /* Error red */
return;
}
// Formula: Calories Burned = (METs x Body Weight in kg x Duration in minutes) / 200
var caloriesBurned = (metValue * weight * duration) / 200;
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Estimated Calories Burned: " + caloriesBurned.toFixed(0) + " kcal (Approximate value)";
resultDiv.style.backgroundColor = "var(–success-green)"; /* Success green */
}
function resetForm() {
document.getElementById("weight").value = "";
document.getElementById("duration").value = "";
document.getElementById("metValue").selectedIndex = 0; // Resets to the first option
document.getElementById("result").style.display = 'none';
document.getElementById("result").innerHTML = "";
}