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TDEE Calculator – Total Daily Energy Expenditure & Calorie Maintenance

TDEE Calculator

The TDEE Calculator (Total Daily Energy Expenditure) estimates how many calories you burn each day, including all activities. It is the most important number for weight management – eat at your TDEE to maintain weight, below to lose weight, or above to gain weight. This calorie maintenance calculator uses the Mifflin‑St Jeor BMR formula, multiplied by an activity factor tailored to your lifestyle. Whether you want to lose fat, build muscle, or simply understand your metabolism, this TDEE calculator gives you a personalised calorie target.

Total Daily Energy ExpenditureBMR~60‑75%Activity15‑30%Thermic~10%TDEE = BMR + Activity + Thermic EffectEat at TDEE → maintain weightEat 500 below → lose 0.5 kg/weekEat 500 above → gain 0.5 kg/week

How TDEE Is Calculated

Step 1: BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) using Mifflin‑St Jeor:

Women: (10 × weight kg) + (6.25 × height cm) − (5 × age) − 161

Men: (10 × weight kg) + (6.25 × height cm) − (5 × age) + 5

Step 2: Multiply BMR by activity factor (1.2 – 1.9).

Step 3: The result is your TDEE – calories to maintain weight.

How to Use This TDEE Calculator

  1. Select your gender.
  2. Enter your age, weight (kg), and height (cm).
  3. Choose your typical activity level.
  4. Click “Calculate TDEE” to see your maintenance calories and suggested intake for weight loss/gain.

Why TDEE Matters for Your Fitness Goals

Knowing your Total Daily Energy Expenditure takes the guesswork out of diet planning. If you want to lose weight, start with a 300‑500 calorie deficit from your TDEE and adjust based on real results. For muscle gain, a 300‑500 calorie surplus combined with strength training is effective. This calorie maintenance calculator updates as your weight changes – recalculate every 5‑10 kg.

Remember that activity levels are estimates. If you have an active job and exercise, choose a higher multiplier. If you are sedentary most of the day, choose a lower one. The TDEE calculator provides a starting point; fine‑tune using a food diary and scale.

Bookmark this TDEE calculator to use as your go‑to calorie calculator and weight loss calculator. Share it with friends and family to help them reach their health goals.

Adjusting TDEE for Muscle Gain

To gain muscle, eat at a modest surplus (200‑400 calories above TDEE) and ensure adequate protein intake (1.6‑2.2 g/kg body weight). Excess calories beyond that will be stored as fat. Strength training signals the body to use the surplus for muscle synthesis rather than fat storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How accurate is this TDEE calculator? It is a reliable estimate; individual metabolism can vary by 10‑15%.
  • Should I eat back exercise calories? The activity factor already accounts for exercise, so do not add extra.
  • How often should I recalculate TDEE? Every 5‑10 kg (10‑20 lb) of weight change or every 3 months.
  • Can I use this for bulking or cutting? Yes, use the weight gain or loss numbers as a starting point.

Bookmark this TDEE calculator to use it as your go‑to calorie maintenance calculator and weight loss tool.

Step‑by‑Step Manual Example

Female, 30y, 65kg, 165cm, moderate activity:

BMR = (10×65)+(6.25×165)−(5×30)−161 = 1370 cal/day

TDEE = 1370 × 1.55 = 2124 cal/day

Weight loss (500 deficit) = 1624 cal/day

Weight gain (500 surplus) = 2624 cal/day

Frequently Asked Questions about TDEE

What is TDEE?
Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) is the total number of calories you burn in a day, including BMR, physical activity, and the thermic effect of food. It is the key number for weight maintenance, loss, or gain.
How accurate is this TDEE calculator?
It uses the Mifflin‑St Jeor BMR formula, which is accurate for most people. Individual variations (muscle mass, genetics) may affect results by 10‑15%.
How do I use TDEE for weight loss?
Create a moderate calorie deficit (300‑500 calories below your TDEE) and combine with exercise. Our calculator shows a 500‑calorie deficit for safe weight loss.
Why is my TDEE different from my BMR?
BMR is the calories burned at complete rest. TDEE adds activity (exercise, daily movement) and the thermic effect of digesting food.