Explanation
Resting energy estimate
This calculator uses the simplified Mifflin–St Jeor resting-energy equations. Often searched for as BMR, the output estimates resting energy expenditure, not a measured basal metabolism or a daily food target.
Choose the question and enter values
Choose the published sex-specific coefficient, then enter adult measurements and age. The source study used male and female groups; this selection describes its equation coefficients rather than gender identity.
Resting kcal/day = 10w + 6.25h − 5A + s, with w in kg, h in cm, A in years and s = +5 (male) or −161 (female).
| w | Body weight |
|---|---|
| h | Height |
| A | Age |
Male coefficient at 70 kg
| Body weight | 70 |
|---|---|
| Height | 180 |
| Age | 30 |
| Result | 1,680 kcal/day |
Male equation: 10 × 70 + 6.25 × 180 − 5 × 30 = 1,675. Adding the published constant (+5 male, −161 female) gives 1,680 kcal/day.
Female coefficient for the same measurements
| Body weight | 70 |
|---|---|
| Height | 180 |
| Age | 30 |
| Result | 1,514 kcal/day |
Female equation: 10 × 70 + 6.25 × 180 − 5 × 30 = 1,675. Adding the published constant (+5 male, −161 female) gives 1,514 kcal/day.
A different adult male scenario
| Body weight | 80 |
|---|---|
| Height | 180 |
| Age | 40 |
| Result | 1,730 kcal/day |
Male equation: 10 × 80 + 6.25 × 180 − 5 × 40 = 1,725. Adding the published constant (+5 male, −161 female) gives 1,730 kcal/day.
Diagram of this result
Each bar is one term of the selected equation in kcal/day: weight and height add energy, age subtracts it, and the published constant shifts the total. The terms add up to the resting estimate.
The exact numbers and their units are stated in the visible text. Predictions and scenario inputs are not medical measurements or prescriptions.
Common mistakes
Resting energy is only one component of daily expenditure. Do not treat the result as the amount to eat or subtract a diet deficit automatically.
Assumptions and limits
Adults aged 20–78, weight 20–350kg, height 100–250cm, positive modeled result. Input bounds do not establish accuracy. Not for children, pregnancy, breastfeeding, acute illness or a treatment plan; body composition and individual metabolism can differ. Educational information only, not medical advice, diagnosis or an individualized nutrition plan.
Is this a laboratory metabolic measurement?
No. It is a prediction from measurements and the selected published coefficient. Laboratory resting-energy measurement can produce a different result.
Method and references
Mifflin MD and colleagues, 1990, A new predictive equation for resting energy expenditure in healthy individuals: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2305711/ . The simplified sex-specific equations are reproduced from the abstract; the study included adults aged 19–78.