TDEE Calculator

Calculate your Total Daily Energy Expenditure and personalized calorie targets for weight loss, maintenance or muscle gain.

How the TDEE Calculator Works

Enter Details

Enter your height, weight, age, gender, activity level and goal using metric or imperial units.

Calculate TDEE

Instantly calculate your BMR and multiply it by your activity level to estimate TDEE.

Get Calorie Targets

See personalized daily calorie targets based on your selected weight goal.

What is TDEE?

Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) is the total number of calories your body burns in a day, including your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) plus calories burned through physical activity, exercise and digestion. Knowing your TDEE is essential for setting accurate calorie targets, whether your goal is weight loss, maintenance or muscle gain.

⚡ Total Energy Burned

TDEE accounts for your resting metabolism plus all daily movement and exercise.

🎯 Calorie Planning

TDEE is the starting point for building an accurate calorie deficit or surplus plan.

TDEE Formula

TDEE = BMR × Activity Multiplier

BMR is calculated using the Mifflin-St Jeor equation, then multiplied by an activity factor ranging from 1.2 (sedentary) to 1.9 (extremely active) to estimate your total daily calorie burn.

Activity Level Multipliers

Activity Level Multiplier
Sedentary (little or no exercise) 1.2
Lightly Active (1-3 days/week) 1.375
Moderately Active (3-5 days/week) 1.55
Very Active (6-7 days/week) 1.725
Extremely Active (athlete/physical job) 1.9

Calorie Adjustment by Goal

Goal Daily Adjustment Weekly Change
Extreme Weight Loss -1000 cal -1 kg/week
Weight Loss -500 cal -0.5 kg/week
Mild Weight Loss -250 cal -0.25 kg/week
Maintain Weight 0 cal No Change
Mild Weight Gain +250 cal +0.25 kg/week
Weight Gain +500 cal +0.5 kg/week

Tips for Accurate Calorie Tracking

📏 Re-calculate your TDEE every 5-10 lbs of weight change.
🍽️ Track food intake consistently for reliable data.
⚖️ Weigh yourself at the same time each day for consistency.
📊 Use weekly averages rather than daily fluctuations.
🏋️ Adjust calories gradually rather than making drastic cuts.
💧 Stay hydrated, as water weight can affect readings.
😴 Prioritize sleep, as it affects hunger and metabolism.
🩺 Consult a professional for personalized nutrition planning.

About the TDEE Calculator

A TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure) Calculator estimates the total number of calories your body burns each day, factoring in your Basal Metabolic Rate and activity level. This calculator uses the Mifflin-St Jeor formula for BMR, then applies an activity multiplier to estimate your total daily calorie burn and personalized calorie targets.

Whether you're aiming to lose weight, maintain your current physique or build muscle, this TDEE Calculator gives you an accurate starting point for setting your daily calorie intake.

Choosing the Right Calorie Goal

Selecting a sustainable calorie target is key to long-term success. Extreme deficits or surpluses can be harder to maintain and may negatively affect energy levels, mood and muscle mass. A moderate approach, typically a 250-500 calorie adjustment per day, tends to produce more consistent, sustainable results over time.

🐢 Slow and Steady

Smaller calorie adjustments are easier to maintain and reduce the risk of muscle loss or rebound weight gain.

📊 Track and Adjust

Re-evaluate your TDEE periodically as your weight changes to keep your calorie targets accurate.

Disclaimer

This TDEE Calculator provides an estimate based on the information you enter and standard metabolic formulas. Individual calorie needs can vary due to genetics, medical conditions and lifestyle factors. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional or registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a TDEE Calculator?

A TDEE Calculator estimates your Total Daily Energy Expenditure by combining your Basal Metabolic Rate with your activity level.

2. How accurate is TDEE?

TDEE is an estimate based on standard formulas and self-reported activity level. Actual calorie burn can vary and may need periodic adjustment.

3. How many calories should I cut to lose weight?

A moderate deficit of 500 calories per day below your TDEE typically supports a sustainable weight loss rate of about 0.5 kg per week.

4. Should I recalculate my TDEE over time?

Yes. As your weight changes, your TDEE changes too, so it's recommended to recalculate every 5-10 lbs of weight change.

5. Is this TDEE Calculator free?

Yes. This calculator is completely free and works on desktop, tablet and mobile devices.

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