Calorie Calculator | Calculator2U

Daily Calorie Needs Calculator

Calculate your daily calorie requirements to achieve your health and fitness goals

Calorie Calculator

Metric (kg, cm)
Imperial (lb, in)
Mifflin-St Jeor
Harris-Benedict

Sedentary
(Little or 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/week)

Super Active
(Very hard exercise/physical job)

Maintain Weight

Lose Weight

Gain Weight

Your Calorie Needs

2200
BMR
1600
Daily Calories
2200
Target Calories
2200

Calorie Recommendation

Your Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) is 2200 calories per day. This is the total number of calories your body burns daily.

Goal Adjustment

Based on your weight goal:

  • Maintain weight: Consume approximately 2200 calories per day
  • Lose weight (0.5kg/week): Consume approximately 1700 calories per day
  • Gain weight (0.5kg/week): Consume approximately 2700 calories per day

Dietary Recommendations

For optimal results with your calorie goals, follow these nutrition guidelines:

  • Protein: 1.6-2.2g per kg of body weight for muscle maintenance
  • Carbohydrates: Focus on complex carbs (whole grains, vegetables)
  • Fats: Prioritize healthy fats (avocados, nuts, olive oil)
  • Hydration: Drink at least 2 liters of water daily

Consider tracking your meals with a nutrition app for better accuracy.

Healthy Food Options

  • Grilled Chicken Breast165 cal/100g
  • Brown Rice111 cal/100g
  • Broccoli34 cal/100g
  • Greek Yogurt59 cal/100g
  • Almonds576 cal/100g

Exercise Options

  • Running (8km/h)600 cal/hour
  • Cycling (20km/h)560 cal/hour
  • Swimming500 cal/hour
  • Weight Training400 cal/hour
  • Walking (5km/h)280 cal/hour

Understanding Daily Calorie Needs

Calories are units of energy that fuel your body's functions. Understanding your daily calorie needs is essential for maintaining, losing, or gaining weight effectively. Your Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) represents the total number of calories your body burns in a day.

Calorie Expenditure Components

Your daily calorie burn consists of:

  • Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR): Calories burned at rest for basic bodily functions (60-75% of TDEE)
  • Thermic Effect of Food (TEF): Energy used to digest and process food (5-10%)
  • Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (EAT): Calories burned during structured exercise
  • Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT): Calories burned during daily activities (walking, fidgeting, etc.)

BMR Calculation Formulas

Two scientific formulas are commonly used to calculate BMR:

1. Mifflin-St Jeor Equation (Most Accurate):

  • Male: BMR = (10 × weight in kg) + (6.25 × height in cm) - (5 × age) + 5
  • Female: BMR = (10 × weight in kg) + (6.25 × height in cm) - (5 × age) - 161

2. Harris-Benedict Equation (Original):

  • Male: BMR = 88.362 + (13.397 × weight in kg) + (4.799 × height in cm) - (5.677 × age)
  • Female: BMR = 447.593 + (9.247 × weight in kg) + (3.098 × height in cm) - (4.330 × age)

Activity Multipliers

TDEE is calculated by multiplying your BMR by an activity factor:

Activity Level Multiplier Description
Sedentary 1.2 Little to no exercise, desk job
Lightly Active 1.375 Light exercise 1-3 days/week
Moderately Active 1.55 Moderate exercise 3-5 days/week
Very Active 1.725 Hard exercise 6-7 days/week
Super Active 1.9 Physical job or training twice daily

Food Calorie Reference

Food Item Calories (per 100g) Protein (g)
Chicken Breast 165 31
Brown Rice 111 2.6
Broccoli 34 2.8
Eggs 155 13
Avocado 160 2

Health Tips

Your calorie needs are an estimate - actual needs may vary by 5-10%. Monitor your progress for 2-4 weeks and adjust as needed. Combine proper nutrition with regular physical activity for optimal health results.