Calories Burned Calculator

Estimate calories burned during running, walking, cycling, swimming, or lifting.

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Calories burned

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How calories-burned estimates work

This calculator uses MET (metabolic equivalent of task) values, a standard way exercise scientists express energy cost relative to resting metabolism. Calories are estimated as MET × bodyweight in kilograms × hours of activity.

MET values represent averages for a given activity at a typical intensity, so your actual burn will vary with pace, terrain, effort, and individual metabolism. Treat the result as a reasonable estimate, not an exact figure.

For walking specifically at different paces, see the walking calories calculator.

Where these numbers come from

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

  • Compendium of Physical Activities (Ainsworth et al.), standard MET values by activity

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

How accurate are MET-based calorie estimates?

They're reasonable population-level estimates but can be off by 10 to 20% or more for a given individual, since factors like fitness level, terrain, and exact intensity all affect real energy cost.

Does more muscle mass burn more calories during exercise?

Generally yes, since MET-based estimates scale with total bodyweight, and more muscle mass typically means a higher metabolic cost for the same activity.

Are fitness tracker calorie estimates more accurate?

Wrist-based trackers use heart rate and motion data and can be more personalized, though they carry their own error margins, particularly for strength training.

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