Calculate your Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) to understand your calorie needs for effective weight management.
TDEE Calculator
Male
Female
Select your gender for a more accurate calculation.
Enter your current weight in kilograms.
Enter your height in centimeters.
Enter your age in years.
Sedentary (little to no exercise)
Lightly active (light exercise/sports 1-3 days/week)
Moderately active (moderate exercise/sports 3-5 days/week)
Very active (hard exercise/sports 6-7 days a week)
Extra active (very hard exercise/sports & physical job)
Choose the option that best describes your lifestyle.
Your Daily Calorie Needs
Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR): kcal
Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE): kcal
For Weight Loss (approx. 0.5kg/week): kcal
For Weight Gain (approx. 0.5kg/week): kcal
TDEE is calculated by multiplying your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) by an activity factor. BMR is estimated using the Mifflin-St Jeor equation.
TDEE & Macronutrient Breakdown Example (Based on your inputs)
Metric
Value (kcal)
Approximate Macronutrient Breakdown
Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)
N/A
Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE)
g Protein (20%)
g Carbs (50%)
g Fat (30%)
Weight Loss Target (TDEE – 500 kcal)
g Protein
g Carbs
g Fat
Weight Gain Target (TDEE + 500 kcal)
g Protein
g Carbs
g Fat
Daily Calorie Needs vs. Weight Change Scenarios
What is TDEE? Understanding Your Total Daily Energy Expenditure
What is TDEE?
TDEE stands for Total Daily Energy Expenditure. It represents the total number of calories your body burns in a 24-hour period. This includes calories burned through all bodily functions, from basic survival (like breathing and circulation) to physical activity. Understanding your TDEE is fundamental for effective weight management, whether your goal is to lose weight, gain muscle, or maintain your current physique. Your TDEE calculator weight tool helps you estimate this crucial number.
Who Should Use a TDEE Calculator?
Individuals aiming for weight loss.
People looking to gain weight or muscle mass.
Athletes and fitness enthusiasts optimizing their nutrition.
Anyone curious about their daily calorie expenditure.
Those seeking to understand the relationship between diet, exercise, and body weight.
Common Misconceptions about TDEE:
TDEE is fixed: Your TDEE fluctuates daily based on activity levels, hormones, and even the weather.
It's just about exercise: A significant portion of TDEE comes from your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) – calories burned at rest.
Counting calories is the only way: While important, TDEE provides the context for setting calorie targets.
A TDEE calculator provides an exact number: TDEE calculators provide estimates; individual metabolism can vary.
TDEE Calculator Formula and Mathematical Explanation
Calculating TDEE involves a two-step process: first estimating your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR), and then multiplying it by an appropriate activity factor.
Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) Calculation
The most widely accepted formula for BMR is the Mifflin-St Jeor equation. While other formulas exist (like Harris-Benedict), Mifflin-St Jeor is considered more accurate for most individuals.
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
Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) Calculation
Once BMR is calculated, it's multiplied by an activity factor (AF) that reflects your typical daily physical activity:
Interpretation: To lose approximately 0.5 kg per week, Sarah should aim for a daily intake of around 1522 calories. Consistently eating below her TDEE will lead to a calorie deficit.
Example 2: Muscle Gain Goal
Scenario: David is a 25-year-old male, weighing 80 kg and standing 180 cm tall. He lifts weights intensely 5 days a week.
Interpretation: To gain muscle mass at a healthy rate (around 0.5 kg per week), David should aim for a daily intake of approximately 3298 calories. This creates a calorie surplus necessary for muscle growth.
How to Use This TDEE Calculator
Using this TDEE calculator is straightforward and takes just a few minutes.
Select Gender: Choose 'Male' or 'Female' from the dropdown.
Enter Weight: Input your current weight in kilograms (kg).
Enter Height: Input your height in centimeters (cm).
Enter Age: Input your age in years.
Select Activity Level: Choose the option that best reflects your daily physical activity. Be honest for the most accurate results.
View Results: Once you've entered all the information, your calculated BMR and TDEE will appear instantly.
Reading Your Results:
BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate): The calories your body burns at complete rest.
TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure): Your estimated total daily calorie burn, including activity. This is your maintenance calorie level.
Weight Loss Target: TDEE minus a deficit (typically 500 kcal/day for ~0.5 kg loss/week).
Weight Gain Target: TDEE plus a surplus (typically 500 kcal/day for ~0.5 kg gain/week).
Decision-Making Guidance:
To lose weight: Consume fewer calories than your TDEE.
To gain weight: Consume more calories than your TDEE.
To maintain weight: Consume calories equal to your TDEE.
Remember, these are starting points. Adjust your intake based on your progress and how you feel. For personalized advice, consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian.
Key Factors That Affect TDEE Results
While the TDEE calculator provides a solid estimate, several factors can influence your actual daily energy expenditure:
Muscle Mass: More muscle mass increases BMR because muscle tissue is metabolically more active than fat tissue. Strength training can significantly boost TDEE over time by increasing muscle mass.
Genetics: Individual metabolic rates can vary due to genetic predispositions. Some people naturally burn more calories at rest than others.
Hormonal Factors: Hormones like thyroid hormones play a crucial role in regulating metabolism. Conditions like hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) can lower BMR, while hyperthyroidism can increase it.
Thermic Effect of Food (TEF): The energy required to digest, absorb, and metabolize food contributes to TDEE. Protein has a higher TEF than carbohydrates or fats.
Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT): This includes calories burned from fidgeting, walking around, maintaining posture, and other activities not considered formal exercise. NEAT can vary significantly between individuals and even from day to day.
Environmental Temperature: Your body expends energy to maintain its core temperature. Extreme cold or heat can slightly increase TDEE as your body works harder to regulate temperature.
Age: Metabolic rate tends to decrease gradually with age, partly due to a natural loss of muscle mass. This is why activity levels and diet become even more critical as we get older.
Health Status & Illness: Fever or illness can temporarily increase your metabolic rate as your body fights infection. Chronic conditions can also impact metabolism.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Mifflin-St Jeor equation the only way to calculate BMR?No, other formulas like the Harris-Benedict equation exist. However, Mifflin-St Jeor is generally considered more accurate for the general population today.
How accurate is a TDEE calculator?TDEE calculators provide estimates. Individual metabolic rates can vary significantly due to genetics, muscle mass, hormones, and other factors not precisely captured by the formula. It's a great starting point but may require adjustments.
What should I do if I'm not losing or gaining weight despite eating at my target?Your actual TDEE might be different from the calculator's estimate, or your tracking might be inaccurate. Re-evaluate your activity level, portion sizes, and consistency. Consider consulting a professional.
Can I eat less than my calculated weight loss TDEE?While possible, eating significantly below your TDEE (e.g., less than 1200 kcal for women or 1500 kcal for men) is generally not recommended without medical supervision. It can lead to nutrient deficiencies, muscle loss, and metabolic slowdown.
Does the TDEE calculator account for exercise intensity?The activity level multiplier is an average. Intense workouts burn more calories than moderate ones. If your exercise is particularly strenuous or prolonged, your actual TDEE might be higher than the estimate for your selected category.
How often should I recalculate my TDEE?Recalculate if your weight changes significantly (e.g., 5-10% of body weight), your activity level changes substantially (starting a new workout routine or job), or your goals shift.
What are the best macronutrient ratios for weight loss/gain?General guidelines often suggest around 40% carbs, 30% protein, 30% fat for balanced goals. However, individual needs vary. Protein is crucial for satiety and muscle preservation during weight loss. Higher carbs might be beneficial for performance during muscle gain phases.
Is it better to calculate TDEE based on weight or activity level?TDEE is calculated using BMR (which incorporates weight, height, age, gender) multiplied by an activity factor. Both components are essential for the estimate.