TDEE Calculator

Calculate your Total Daily Energy Expenditure based on BMR and activity level. Get personalized calorie goals for weight loss, maintenance, or gain.

Your Information

How It Works

Step 1: Calculate BMR (Mifflin-St Jeor)

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

Step 2: Apply Activity Multiplier

Sedentary: BMR × 1.2 (little/no exercise)
Lightly Active: BMR × 1.375 (exercise 1-3 days/week)
Moderately Active: BMR × 1.55 (exercise 3-5 days/week)
Very Active: BMR × 1.725 (exercise 6-7 days/week)
Super Active: BMR × 1.9 (physical job + daily exercise)

Step 3: Adjust for Goal

Weight Loss: TDEE - 500 cal/day = -0.5 kg/week
Mild Loss: TDEE - 250 cal/day = -0.25 kg/week
Extreme Loss: TDEE - 1000 cal/day = -1.0 kg/week
Weight Gain: TDEE + 500 cal/day = +0.5 kg/week

1 kg of fat ≈ 7700 calories

Example

Example: Male, 30 years, 175 cm, 75 kg, Moderately Active

BMR: 10×75 + 6.25×175 - 5×30 + 5 = 1694 cal/day
TDEE: 1694 × 1.55 = 2626 cal/day (maintenance)
For 0.5kg/week loss: 2626 - 500 = 2126 cal/day

Frequently Asked Questions

What is TDEE?

Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) is the total number of calories you burn in a day, including BMR (calories at rest) plus activity. It represents your maintenance calorie level.

How accurate is TDEE calculation?

TDEE estimates are typically within 10-15% of actual expenditure. Individual variation exists due to genetics, muscle mass, and NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis). Use TDEE as a starting point and adjust based on results.

Should I eat back exercise calories?

No, if using TDEE method. Your activity level already accounts for exercise. Only eat back calories if using BMR without activity multiplier. TDEE method is simpler for consistent schedules.

How fast should I lose weight?

0.5-1 kg per week is sustainable and preserves muscle mass. Faster loss (>1 kg/week) risks muscle loss and metabolic adaptation. Slower loss (0.25 kg/week) is easier to maintain long-term.

Why am I not losing weight at my calculated deficit?

Common reasons: overestimating activity level, underestimating food intake, water retention, or metabolic adaptation. Track weight for 2-3 weeks before adjusting. Reduce calories by 100-200/day if no progress.

References & Sources

📚
TDEE Calculator - Calculator.net

Comprehensive TDEE calculation and activity level guidelines

📚
NIH Body Weight Planner

Research-backed tool for weight management planning

📚
Harris-Benedict Equation - Wikipedia

Overview of BMR and TDEE calculation methods