What is BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate)?
Your Basal Metabolic Rate is the number of calories your body burns at complete rest just to keep you alive — powering your heart, lungs, brain and other organs. It typically accounts for 60–70% of the total calories you burn each day, which is why it's the starting point for any weight-loss or muscle-gain plan.
How BMR is calculated
This tool uses the Mifflin-St Jeor equation, the most accurate formula for the general population:
- Men: BMR = 10 × weight(kg) + 6.25 × height(cm) − 5 × age + 5
- Women: BMR = 10 × weight(kg) + 6.25 × height(cm) − 5 × age − 161
Imperial inputs are converted to kilograms and centimetres before the calculation.
How to use this calculator
- Select your unit system.
- Enter your weight, height and age.
- Choose your gender.
- Click calculate to see your BMR and an estimate of your resting daily calories.
BMR vs TDEE
BMR is calories burned at rest. Your Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) multiplies BMR by an activity factor (1.2 for sedentary up to ~1.9 for very active). To lose weight, eat below your TDEE; to gain, eat above it. Treat these numbers as estimates and consult a healthcare professional before major diet changes.