What is Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)?

Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is the total number of calories your body needs to perform basic, life-sustaining functions while at rest. These functions include breathing, circulation, nutrient processing, and cell production.

What's the difference between BMR and TDEE?

BMR is the calories your body burns at complete rest. TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure) is the total calories you burn in a day, which includes your BMR plus the calories burned during physical activity, digestion, and other daily tasks. TDEE is always higher than BMR.

BMR Calculator (Basal Metabolic Rate)

Your Results

Your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is:

Calories/day

Estimated Daily Calorie Needs (TDEE)

Sedentary (little or no exercise)

Lightly active (exercise 1-3 days/week)

Moderately active (exercise 3-5 days/week)

Very active (exercise 6-7 days a week)

Super active (very hard exercise & a physical job)

What is BMR?

Your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is the number of calories your body needs to accomplish its most basic (basal) life-sustaining functions. This includes things like breathing, circulation, nutrient processing, and cell production, all while you are at complete rest.

Knowing your BMR is the first step in determining your Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE), which is the total number of calories you burn each day. By understanding your TDEE, you can set effective goals for weight loss, gain, or maintenance.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which formula does this calculator use?

This calculator uses the Mifflin-St Jeor equation, which was developed in 1990 and is considered more accurate than the older Harris-Benedict equation. The formulas are:

For Men: BMR = 10 × weight (kg) + 6.25 × height (cm) - 5 × age (y) + 5
For Women: BMR = 10 × weight (kg) + 6.25 × height (cm) - 5 × age (y) - 161

What's the difference between BMR and RMR?

BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) and RMR (Resting Metabolic Rate) are very similar. BMR is measured under very strict laboratory conditions (e.g., after a full night's sleep and 12-hour fast). RMR is less restrictive and is a more practical measure of your resting metabolism. For most purposes, their values are close enough to be used interchangeably, with RMR typically being slightly higher.

How can I use my BMR result?

Your BMR is the foundation for your diet planning. Once you have your BMR, you can multiply it by an activity factor (as shown in the results table) to find your TDEE. To lose weight, you need to consume fewer calories than your TDEE. To gain weight, you need to consume more. To maintain your weight, you should consume roughly the same amount as your TDEE.