BMR Calculator
Your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is the number of calories your body needs to maintain basic life-sustaining functions like breathing, circulation, and cell production while at complete rest.
Your Basal Metabolic Rate
Mifflin-St Jeor
Harris-Benedict
This calculator provides estimates and is for informational purposes only.
Understanding BMR
BMR represents 60-75% of your total daily energy expenditure. It's the minimum amount of energy needed to keep your body functioning, including breathing, blood circulation, and brain function. The Mifflin-St Jeor equation is considered the most accurate for most people.
Factors that affect BMR include age, gender, body composition, genetics, and hormonal function. As you age, your BMR typically decreases by about 1-2% per decade after age 20.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between BMR and TDEE?
BMR is the calories burned at rest. TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure) includes BMR plus calories from physical activity and digestion. TDEE is your BMR multiplied by an activity factor.
Which formula is more accurate?
The Mifflin-St Jeor equation is generally considered more accurate for most modern populations and is recommended by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Can I increase my BMR?
Yes. Building muscle mass through resistance training is the most effective way to increase BMR, since muscle tissue burns more calories at rest than fat tissue.