Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) Calculator
Calculate your daily calorie needs at complete rest using the Mifflin-St Jeor Equation.
What is Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)?
Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is the minimum amount of energy (measured in calories) your body requires to perform basic life-sustaining functions while at complete rest. These functions include breathing, blood circulation, cell production, nutrient processing, and temperature regulation. Essentially, if you stayed in bed all day and didn't move a muscle, your BMR is what your body would still burn just to keep you alive.
How the BMR Calculation Works
Our online BMR calculator uses the Mifflin-St Jeor Equation, which is currently considered the most accurate formula for predicting basal metabolic rate in healthy individuals. The formula differs slightly based on biological sex:
- For Men: BMR = (10 × weight in kg) + (6.25 × height in cm) – (5 × age in years) + 5
- For Women: BMR = (10 × weight in kg) + (6.25 × height in cm) – (5 × age in years) – 161
Example Calculation
Imagine a 35-year-old male who weighs 80 kg and is 180 cm tall. His calculation would look like this:
(10 × 80) + (6.25 × 180) – (5 × 35) + 5 = 800 + 1125 – 175 + 5 = 1,755 Calories/day
This means he needs approximately 1,755 calories a day just to maintain basic physiological functions before adding any activity or movement.
Why Knowing Your BMR Matters
Whether your goal is weight loss, muscle gain, or weight maintenance, your BMR is the foundation of your nutritional plan. Once you know your BMR, you can multiply it by an "Activity Factor" to find your Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE). If you consume fewer calories than your TDEE, you will lose weight; if you consume more, you will gain weight.
Factors That Affect BMR
- Muscle Mass: Muscle tissue is more metabolically active than fat. The more muscle you have, the higher your BMR.
- Age: BMR typically decreases as you age due to loss of lean muscle mass and changes in hormonal and neurological processes.
- Body Size: Larger people usually have larger internal organs and more fluid volume, requiring more energy to maintain.
- Genetics and Health: Thyroid levels and other genetic factors can influence how quickly your body burns energy at rest.