BMR Calculator

Calculate your Basal Metabolic Rate using the Mifflin-St Jeor formula.

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BMR

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What BMR measures

Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is the energy your body needs at complete rest just to keep vital functions running — breathing, circulation, cell repair, and so on. It doesn't include any activity, digestion, or exercise on top of that baseline.

This calculator uses the Mifflin-St Jeor equation, widely considered one of the more accurate predictive BMR formulas for the general population. Add an activity multiplier via the TDEE calculator to get your full daily calorie need.

Where these numbers come from

The formulas and default values in this calculator are based on:

  • Mifflin, M.D., St Jeor, S.T. et al. (1990), "A New Predictive Equation for Resting Energy Expenditure in Healthy Individuals," American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

These are planning estimates for training purposes. Check with a coach, trainer, or physician before starting a new program or maxing out.

Frequently asked questions

Is BMR the same as TDEE?

No — BMR is calories at complete rest; TDEE adds activity on top of BMR to estimate your total daily need. See the TDEE calculator for that full number.

Does muscle mass affect BMR?

Yes, more muscle mass raises BMR somewhat, since muscle tissue is more metabolically active than fat tissue, though the effect is smaller than commonly assumed.

How accurate is a predictive BMR formula?

Mifflin-St Jeor is considered one of the better predictive equations, typically within about 10% of measured BMR for most people, though individual variation exists.

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