BMR Calculator: Calculate Your Basal Metabolic Rate

Find out how many calories your body burns at rest using our BMR Calculator. This value helps you understand your metabolism and can be used to plan your diet and exercise routines.

Understanding Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)

Your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is the number of calories your body needs to perform essential functions such as breathing, digestion, and circulation, while at rest. It is a measure of how efficiently your body uses energy to maintain basic bodily functions.

Why is BMR Important?

BMR is a critical factor in weight management. By understanding your BMR, you can determine how many calories your body requires to maintain your current weight. To lose weight, you must consume fewer calories than your body requires (a calorie deficit), and to gain weight, you need to consume more calories than your BMR (a calorie surplus).

How is BMR Calculated?

BMR can be calculated using the Harris-Benedict equation, which considers your weight, height, age, and gender. The formula is different for men and women:

For Men:

BMR = 66 + (6.23 × weight in lbs) + (12.7 × height in inches) - (6.8 × age in years)

For Women:

BMR = 655 + (4.35 × weight in lbs) + (4.7 × height in inches) - (4.7 × age in years)

How to Use BMR for Weight Management

  • If you know your BMR, you can estimate how many calories you need to eat to maintain, lose, or gain weight.
  • A calorie deficit of 500-1000 calories per day will result in about 1-2 pounds of weight loss per week.
  • Using your BMR to calculate Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) can help tailor your calorie intake based on activity level.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between BMR and TDEE?

BMR is the number of calories your body needs at rest. TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure) includes your BMR plus the calories burned from physical activity. TDEE gives a more complete picture of how many calories you burn each day.

Can I change my BMR?

BMR is partly determined by genetics, but factors such as age, weight, and muscle mass can influence your BMR. Building muscle through strength training can help increase your BMR over time.

Why is my BMR important for weight loss?

Knowing your BMR helps you understand how many calories you should consume to maintain your weight. For weight loss, you need to create a calorie deficit, meaning you need to eat fewer calories than your body burns, including your BMR and activity level.