How this calculation works
TDEE estimates an entire day’s energy expenditure by multiplying the rounded Mifflin–St Jeor resting estimate by a selected activity factor. The activity multipliers are planning conventions used by this implementation; the original Mifflin paper supports the resting equation, not these five activity categories. Treat the answer as a starting estimate, not a measured calorie requirement.
Worked example
This example uses illustrative inputs. Your current result is shown above.
For the male equation, 70 kg, 175 cm and age 30 produce a rounded resting estimate of 1,649 kcal/day. Selecting moderate activity gives 1,649 × 1.55 = 2,555.95, displayed as 2,556 kcal/day. Selecting sedentary instead gives 1,649 × 1.2 = 1,978.8, displayed as 1,979 kcal/day.
Assumptions and limits
- Activity labels are approximate categories, not validated measurements of your job, training, steps or metabolic response. Two people choosing the same label may have very different needs.
- The factor already aims to include ordinary activity and exercise; adding all exercise calories again may double count them.
- The resting estimate is rounded before multiplication. Growth, pregnancy, lactation and medical conditions require individual assessment beyond this adult planning model.
Questions people ask
Does exercising three times a week guarantee the moderate factor fits?
No. Duration, intensity and movement during the rest of the week matter. The label is a rough scenario selector, not a physiological test.
Are the activity multipliers from the Mifflin study?
No. That study supplies the resting-energy equation. Go Calculator separately applies the displayed conventional activity factors as explicit assumptions.
Why is this higher than BMR?
BMR estimates resting energy. Multiplying it by a factor above one makes an allowance for activity and other daily expenditure.