BMR Calculator (Basal Metabolic Rate)
What is BMR?
Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is the number of calories your body needs to maintain basic physiological functions (like breathing and circulation) at complete rest. It represents the minimum energy required to keep your body functioning.
About BMR Equations:
| Equation | Description |
|---|---|
| Mifflin-St Jeor | Most accurate for most people (recommended) |
| Harris-Benedict (original) | Developed in 1919, tends to overestimate |
| Harris-Benedict (revised) | Updated in 1984, more accurate than original |
| Katch-McArdle | Most accurate if you know your body fat % |
How to Use Your BMR:
Your BMR accounts for about 60-75% of your total daily calorie expenditure. To estimate your total daily needs, multiply your BMR by an activity factor:
- Sedentary: BMR × 1.2 (little or no exercise)
- Lightly active: BMR × 1.375 (light exercise 1-3 days/week)
- Moderately active: BMR × 1.55 (moderate exercise 3-5 days/week)
- Very active: BMR × 1.725 (hard exercise 6-7 days/week)
- Extra active: BMR × 1.9 (very hard exercise & physical job)