Question 1

How does this calorie calculator work?

Accepted Answer

This calculator uses the Mifflin-St Jeor equation, the most accurate formula for estimating your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) - the calories you burn at rest. It then multiplies your BMR by an activity factor to calculate your Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE). The formula: Men: BMR = (10 × weight in kg) + (6.25 × height in cm) - (5 × age) + 5 Women: BMR = (10 × weight in kg) + (6.25 × height in cm) - (5 × age) - 161 TDEE: BMR × Activity Level Your TDEE represents the total calories you need to maintain your current weight. To lose weight, eat below this number. To gain weight, eat above it.

Question 2

What is the difference between BMR and TDEE?

Accepted Answer

BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) is the number of calories your body burns at complete rest - essentially the energy needed to keep you alive (breathing, circulation, cell production, etc.). TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure) is your BMR plus all the calories you burn through daily activities and exercise. TDEE = BMR × Activity Multiplier. Example: BMR: 1,600 calories (what you burn lying in bed all day) Activity: Moderate (1.55 multiplier) TDEE: 1,600 × 1.55 = 2,480 calories You need ~2,480 calories per day to maintain your weight with moderate activity. For weight management: Always base your calorie goals on TDEE, not BMR. Eating at or below BMR long-term can slow your metabolism and cause muscle loss.

Question 3

How many calories should I eat to lose weight?

Accepted Answer

To lose weight, you need to eat fewer calories than your TDEE (maintenance level). The size of your calorie deficit determines how fast you lose weight: Deficit Rate of Loss Best For -250 calories/day ~0.5 lb/week Slow, sustainable fat loss -500 calories/day ~1 lb/week Standard fat loss (recommended) -1000 calories/day ~2 lb/week Aggressive cut (high muscle loss risk) Recommendation: Start with a 500-calorie deficit for steady 1 lb/week loss. This balances fat loss with muscle preservation and adherence. Important: Don't eat below 1,200 calories/day (women) or 1,500 calories/day (men) without medical supervision. Extreme deficits slow metabolism and cause muscle loss.

Question 4

How many calories should I eat to gain muscle?

Accepted Answer

To gain muscle, you need to eat slightly more calories than your TDEE (maintenance) while following a progressive strength training program. The surplus size affects your muscle-to-fat gain ratio: Surplus Rate of Gain Best For +250 calories/day ~0.5 lb/week Lean bulk (minimal fat gain) +500 calories/day ~1 lb/week Standard bulk (some fat gain) +750-1000 cal/day ~1.5-2 lb/week Aggressive bulk (high fat gain) Recommendation: Start with +250-500 calories for a lean bulk. Natural lifters can gain ~2-4 lbs of muscle per month maximum. Eating more doesn't build muscle faster - it just adds fat. Protein matters: Aim for 1.6-2.2 g/kg (0.7-1 g/lb) bodyweight daily, regardless of surplus size.

Question 5

How accurate is this calorie calculator?

Accepted Answer

The Mifflin-St Jeor equation is considered the most accurate BMR formula for the general population, but all calorie calculators have limitations: ✅ What It Does Well: Accurate for ~70% of people (within ±10% of measured metabolism) Best formula when body fat % is unknown Validated across diverse populations Good starting point for most people ⚠️ Limitations: Individual variation: Metabolism varies ±15% between people Doesn't account for body composition: More muscle = higher BMR Activity estimates are subjective: Hard to gauge true activity level NEAT varies widely: Fidgeting, spontaneous movement differs greatly How to use it effectively: 1. Use calculator result as starting point 2. Track weight for 2-3 weeks eating at calculated calories 3. Adjust up or down 200-300 calories based on actual results 4. Repeat until you hit desired rate of weight change

Question 6

What activity level should I choose?

Accepted Answer

Choose your activity level based on your total weekly physical activity, not just gym sessions. Be honest - most people overestimate their activity level. Sedentary (1.2) - Little to No Exercise Desk job, minimal walking, no structured exercise Lightly Active (1.375) - 1-3 Days/Week Light exercise 1-3 days/week OR active job with lots of walking Moderately Active (1.55) - 3-5 Days/Week Moderate exercise 3-5 days/week (most gym-goers fit here) Very Active (1.725) - 6-7 Days/Week Hard exercise 6-7 days/week OR physical job + regular training Extremely Active (1.9) - Athlete Level 2x daily training, physical job, or professional athlete Pro tip: If you're between levels, start with the lower multiplier. It's easier to add calories if you're losing weight too fast than to cut them if you're gaining fat.

Question 7

Should I use a calorie calculator or a TDEE calculator?

Accepted Answer

They're the same thing! Calorie calculator and TDEE calculator both calculate your Total Daily Energy Expenditure - the calories you need to maintain your weight. The difference (if any): Simple calorie calculator: Gives you daily calorie needs for maintenance, weight loss, and weight gain TDEE calculator: Often includes additional features like macronutrient recommendations (protein/carbs/fats), body fat percentage, and more detailed activity breakdowns Both use the same underlying formulas (BMR × Activity Level). If you just need calorie targets, this calculator is perfect. If you also want macro breakdowns, use our TDEE & Macro Calculator.

Question 8

Can I eat whatever I want as long as I hit my calorie goal?

Accepted Answer

Technically yes, for weight change. A calorie deficit causes weight loss regardless of food source. But for health, performance, and body composition, food quality matters significantly. ✅ Why Food Quality Matters: Protein preserves muscle: High protein prevents muscle loss during fat loss Satiety: Whole foods keep you fuller longer than processed foods Micronutrients: Vitamins and minerals support health and performance Energy levels: Stable blood sugar from whole foods vs crashes from junk Gym performance: Quality carbs fuel better training 📊 The 80/20 Approach: 80% whole foods: Lean proteins, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, healthy fats 20% flexible: Treats, processed foods, social eating Hit protein target daily: 1.6-2.2 g/kg bodyweight Get enough fiber: 25-35g/day from fruits, vegetables, whole grains Stay in calorie range: Consistency > perfection Bottom line: Calories determine weight change. Food quality determines how you feel, perform, and what that weight consists of (muscle vs fat).

Calorie Calculator

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