Calorie Calculator
Ask three experts how many calories you need and you may get three answers. This calculator shows the three methods we use on this site side by side, so you can see the realistic range for you — and click through to any one of them for the detail.
The three methods put you between kcal a day. A spread like this is normal — every equation is an average for people like you, not a measurement of you.
Three different methods, shown separately. Your activity answer is matched to each method's own categories, shown under each result.
Your results are attached to the form below
These figures are estimates for general awareness only and are not medical advice or a diagnosis. Read our Medical Disclaimer.
Want a Plan Built Around Your Numbers?
A certified dietitian will turn these figures into a diet that fits your routine and your food.
How this is calculated
Clinic method: Mifflin-St Jeor BMR (1990) × the activity range the clinic uses on its homepage calculator. US standard: the National Academies' 2023 Estimated Energy Requirement equation for your sex and activity category. Indian standard: ICMR-NIN 2020's energy requirement per kg of body weight for your activity level × your weight. Your one activity answer is matched to each method's own categories, and the category used is shown under each result.
Why the methods disagree
Every calorie formula is an average built from a particular group of people. Mifflin-St Jeor came from American adults measured at rest; the 2023 US equations come from measurements of total daily energy use; ICMR-NIN's figures are set for Indian adults and deliberately run lower, because Indians' resting metabolism tends to be lower than international equations predict. Seeing them together is more honest than any single number.
Which number should I use?
Treat the range as your starting point, not a target to hit exactly. Pick a figure inside it, keep your weight steady for two or three weeks, and adjust. If you want to lose weight, use the Calorie Deficit Calculator; to gain, the Weight Gain Calculator.
The methods on their own
- TDEE Calculator — the clinic method, with four BMR equations compared and a breakdown of where your calories go.
- EER Calculator — the US National Academies 2023 equations, including breastfeeding.
- Calorie Intake Calculator (Simple) — ICMR-NIN's per-kg figures, including pregnancy and breastfeeding.
More Diet & Nutrition Calculators
See all →- Protein Calculator Find your daily protein requirement using ICMR-NIN 2020, with separate figures for exercise, age 65+, pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Calorie Deficit Calculator See your maintenance calories and a daily calorie target for weight loss, with two BMR formulas side by side.
- Macro Calculator Split your daily calories into grams of protein, carbohydrate and fat — balanced, higher-protein or your own ratio.
- TDEE Calculator Your total daily energy expenditure with four BMR equations compared, and a breakdown of how much goes on rest, digestion and activity.
- Maintenance Calorie Calculator The calories that keep your weight steady — today, and at your goal weight, so you know what to eat once you get there.
- Calorie Intake Calculator (Simple) The quickest estimate: your weight × ICMR-NIN 2020's calories per kg for your type of work. Includes pregnancy and breastfeeding.