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Basal Metabolic Rate Calculator (BMR)

Calculate your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) - the number of calories your body burns at rest

A basal metabolic rate calculator estimates the calories your body uses at rest with the Mifflin-St Jeor equation, from gender, age, weight, and height. BMR is the rest estimate. TDEE is that BMR multiplied by an activity factor, so it includes daily activity. That step is the TDEE calculator. Height and weight as an index is the BMI calculator.

Imperial entries are converted first: pounds × 0.453592 and inches × 2.54. Male: BMR = 10 × kg + 6.25 × cm − 5 × age + 5. Female: BMR = 10 × kg + 6.25 × cm − 5 × age − 161.

Calculator Inputs

Choose your preferred unit system

Gender is used to determine metabolic rate

Enter your age in years

Enter your weight

Enter your height

Results

Enter values above to see your results

This is an estimate of calories at rest. It is not a meal plan or medical advice.

How It Works

This calculator uses the Mifflin-St Jeor equation, which is widely considered the most accurate method for estimating BMR. It takes into account your gender, age, weight, and height to determine your baseline caloric needs.

Worked example

Metric default

Gender:Male= Given
Age:30 years= Given
Weight:70 kg= Given
Height:175 cm= Given
BMR:10 × 70 + 6.25 × 175 − 5 × 30 + 5= 1,648.75
Shown result:Rounded calories per day at rest= 1,649 calories/day

Tips & Best Practices

  • •BMR accounts for about 60-75% of your total daily energy expenditure (TDEE)
  • •Muscle mass increases BMR - strength training can help raise your metabolism
  • •BMR naturally decreases with age as muscle mass tends to decline
  • •Use your BMR to calculate your TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure) for a complete picture
  • •Never eat below your BMR without medical supervision

Frequently Asked Questions

What is BMR?

BMR stands for Basal Metabolic Rate. It is the number of calories your body burns while at complete rest to maintain vital functions like breathing and keeping your heart beating.

How is BMR different from RMR?

BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) and RMR (Resting Metabolic Rate) are often used interchangeably, but BMR is measured under stricter conditions (after sleeping and fasting). RMR is slightly less restrictive and typically about 10% higher than BMR.

Does muscle affect BMR?

Yes! Muscle tissue burns more calories at rest than fat tissue. Increasing your muscle mass through resistance training is one of the best ways to increase your BMR.

Should I eat my BMR calories?

Generally, yes. Your BMR represents the minimum energy required for your organs to function. Eating significantly below this number can slow down your metabolism and cause health issues.