⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Over 100k 5-star
ratings
4.8/5
•4.7/5
Calculate your Basal Metabolic Rate - the calories your body burns at rest
Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is the number of calories your body needs to perform basic life-sustaining functions while at complete rest. These functions include breathing, circulation, cell production, brain and nerve function, and maintaining body temperature. BMR accounts for approximately 60-75% of your total daily calorie expenditure.
This calculator uses the Mifflin-St Jeor Equation, which is considered one of the most accurate BMR formulas. It takes into account your weight, height, age, and gender to estimate your metabolic rate.
Men: BMR = 10 × weight(kg) + 6.25 × height(cm) - 5 × age(years) + 5
Women: BMR = 10 × weight(kg) + 6.25 × height(cm) - 5 × age(years) - 161
This formula provides a more accurate estimate than older equations like the Harris-Benedict formula, especially for individuals with higher body fat percentages.
Muscle tissue burns more calories at rest than fat tissue. Individuals with more muscle mass typically have a higher BMR. This is why strength training and building muscle can help increase your metabolic rate.
BMR generally decreases with age, typically by about 1-2% per decade after the age of 20. This is partly due to loss of muscle mass and changes in hormonal levels that occur with aging.
Men typically have a higher BMR than women of the same age, weight, and height. This is primarily due to men generally having more muscle mass and less body fat than women.
Your BMR is the foundation for calculating your Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE), which includes calories burned through physical activity. Understanding your BMR helps you:
Important Note: BMR calculations provide estimates based on standard formulas. Individual metabolic rates can vary significantly due to genetic factors, medical conditions, medications, and other variables. For accurate metabolic testing or personalized metabolic assessments, consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian.
Explore our other free fitness and health calculators