TDEE Calculator | Calculator2U

Total Daily Energy Expenditure Calculator

Calculate your TDEE to understand your daily calorie needs for optimal health and fitness goals

TDEE 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 TDEE Result

2200
BMR
1600
Activity Level
Moderate
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 TDEE, 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.

Understanding TDEE

Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) represents the total number of calories your body burns in a day, including basal metabolic rate (BMR), physical activity, and the thermic effect of food. Understanding your TDEE is essential for effective weight management and achieving fitness goals.

TDEE Components

TDEE is composed of four key elements:

  • 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 (More 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

Practical Applications

Understanding your TDEE enables you to:

  • Set precise calorie targets for weight loss or gain
  • Optimize athletic performance
  • Plan nutrition for muscle building
  • Maintain a healthy weight long-term
  • Avoid common dieting mistakes

Health Tips

Your TDEE is 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.