Health & Fitness
Calories Burned Calculator
Calculate how many calories you burn during different physical activities
Enter your details to calculate calories burned
Related to Calories Burned Calculator
The Calories Burned Calculator uses the Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) formula to estimate the number of calories burned during physical activities. This scientifically-based method takes into account three key factors: the intensity of the activity (MET value), your body weight, and the duration of the activity.
The Calculation Formula
Calories Burned = MET × Weight (kg) × Duration (hours)
The MET value represents how many times more energy an activity requires compared to resting. For example, a MET value of 2.0 means the activity requires twice the energy of sitting quietly. The calculator includes a comprehensive list of activities with their corresponding MET values, derived from the Compendium of Physical Activities, a widely-used reference in exercise science.
The calculator provides three key pieces of information to help you understand your energy expenditure during physical activity:
Understanding Your Results
- Calories Burned: The total number of kilocalories (kcal) expended during your activity
- Activity Type: The specific activity you performed, with its intensity level
- MET Value: The metabolic equivalent value of your chosen activity, indicating its intensity relative to rest
Keep in mind that these calculations are estimates based on average values. Actual calorie burn can vary based on factors such as fitness level, age, body composition, and environmental conditions. For the most accurate results, use your actual body weight and be honest about the intensity level of your activity.
1. Why do I need to enter my weight?
Your weight is a crucial factor in calculating calories burned because it directly affects the amount of energy required to perform an activity. A heavier person will burn more calories doing the same activity as a lighter person because they need to move more mass.
2. How accurate are the calorie estimates?
The calculator provides reliable estimates based on established scientific formulas and MET values. However, actual calorie burn can vary by ±10-15% due to individual factors such as fitness level, age, and body composition. For more precise measurements, consider using a heart rate monitor or fitness tracker.
3. What is a MET value?
A MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) value represents the ratio of working metabolic rate to resting metabolic rate. One MET equals the energy expended while sitting quietly (approximately 1 kcal/kg/hour). An activity with a MET of 4 requires four times as much energy as sitting quietly.
4. Can I use this calculator for weight loss planning?
Yes, this calculator can help you plan your exercise routine for weight loss. Remember that one pound of fat equals approximately 3,500 calories. Combine this calculator with our BMR and TDEE calculators to create a comprehensive weight loss plan that includes both exercise and dietary considerations.
5. What is the scientific source for this calculator?
This calculator uses the scientifically validated MET formula and values from the Compendium of Physical Activities, developed by Dr. Barbara Ainsworth and colleagues, published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise (2011). The Compendium is the most comprehensive and widely-used reference for energy costs of human physical activities, utilized by researchers and health professionals worldwide. The calculation method is based on peer-reviewed research in exercise physiology and has been validated through numerous studies in energy expenditure measurement.