Overview

Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is the minimum amount of energy your body needs at rest to maintain vital functions such as breathing and circulation. This calculator uses the revised Harris-Benedict equation (Roza & Shizgal, 1984) based on sex, weight, height, and age.

Formula

Male: BMR = 88.362 + (13.397 × weight kg) + (4.799 × height cm) - (5.677 × age) | Female: BMR = 447.593 + (9.247 × weight kg) + (3.098 × height cm) - (4.330 × age) | Example: Male, 30 yrs, 75 kg, 178 cm → BMR ≈ 1,777 kcal/day

How to Use

1. 1Select your sex.
2. 2Enter your age, weight (kg), and height (cm).
3. 3Click the 'Calculate' button.
4. 4Review your BMR result.

Examples

Background

BMR research dates back to the original Harris-Benedict equation published in 1919. It was later revised by Roza and Shizgal in 1984 with more precise data, and the Mifflin-St Jeor equation was introduced in 1990 as an alternative. BMR represents the energy needed for fundamental life-sustaining functions including body temperature regulation, breathing, heartbeat, and cellular metabolism, accounting for 60-75% of total energy expenditure. Higher muscle mass increases BMR, which is why strength training is effective for weight management.

Tips

• ✔BMR represents the calories your body burns at complete rest over 24 hours.
• ✔To find Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE), multiply BMR by an activity factor.
• ✔Building lean muscle mass increases BMR, making strength training beneficial for weight management.
• ✔This calculator provides estimates only. For precise metabolic measurements, consult a healthcare provider for indirect calorimetry testing.

FAQ