BMR Calculator
Your basal metabolic rate — the calories your body burns at complete rest.
Your details
Calories burned at complete rest, before any activity.
How this is calculated
Mifflin-St Jeor equation:
BMR = 10·weight(kg) + 6.25·height(cm) − 5·age + s
where s = +5 (male) or −161 (female)
Published in 1990, it's the most accurate resting-metabolism equation for the general adult population. Real numbers vary with body composition — muscle burns more at rest than fat.
Frequently asked
What is BMR?+
Basal Metabolic Rate is the number of calories your body burns at complete rest to keep basic functions going — breathing, circulation, cell repair. It's roughly 60–70% of your total daily calorie burn.
Which BMR formula is most accurate?+
The Mifflin-St Jeor equation is the current standard for the general population, with typical error under 10%. It replaced the older Harris-Benedict formula in the 1990s.
How do I use my BMR number?+
Multiply BMR by an activity factor (1.2 sedentary → 1.9 very active) to get total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) — the calorie level that maintains your current weight.
Related tools
References
- Mifflin MD, St Jeor ST, Hill LA, et al. A new predictive equation for resting energy expenditure in healthy individuals. Am J Clin Nutr. 1990;51(2):241–247.
- National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein, and Amino Acids. National Academies Press, 2005.
Educational estimates only, not medical advice. Individual needs vary — consult a physician or registered dietitian.