Calorie Calculator

Our calorie calculator answers the question 'how many calories should I eat?' by calculating your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) and Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE), then adjusting for your fitness goal. Whether you want to lose weight with a calorie deficit, maintain your current weight, or build muscle with a calorie surplus, this calculator provides accurate daily calorie targets with macro breakdown.

star 4.9
auto_awesome AI
years
kg
cm
restaurant Daily Calorie Target
1,650 cal/day

500 calorie deficit for weight loss

bed BMR
1,387

Resting metabolism

local_fire_department TDEE
2,150

Maintenance calories

Suggested Macros

Protein 124g (30%)
Carbs 165g (40%)
Fat 55g (30%)

calendar_month Expected Results

Weekly Change

-0.5 kg

Monthly Change

-2 kg

tips_and_updates

Pro Tip

Track for 2-3 weeks and adjust based on actual results. These are estimates with ~10% margin.

auto_awesome AI Analysis

Powered by Claude

Calorie Plan (30yo Female, 65kg, Moderate Activity):

  • BMR: 1,387 cal (calories at rest)
  • TDEE: 2,150 cal (daily burn with activity)
  • Weight loss target: 1,650 cal/day (-500 deficit)

A 500 cal/day deficit = ~0.5kg/week loss. Never go below BMR long-term as it can slow metabolism.

lightbulb Tips

  • -500 cal deficit = ~0.5kg/week loss
  • Min: 1,200 (F) / 1,500 (M) calories
  • Protein: 1.6-2.2g per kg bodyweight
  • Track 2-3 weeks, then adjust

flag Calorie Goals

Lose 0.5kg/wk -500 cal
Lose 0.25kg/wk -250 cal
Maintain TDEE
Lean Bulk +250 cal
Build Muscle +500 cal

How to Use This Calculator

person

Enter Your Stats

Input your age, gender, current weight, and height accurately for precise calculations.

fitness_center

Select Activity Level

Choose how active you are weekly. When in doubt, choose one level lower — most people overestimate.

flag

Choose Your Goal

Select weight loss (deficit), maintenance, or muscle gain (surplus) based on your fitness objective.

restaurant

Get Your Calorie Target

See your personalized daily calorie intake with macro breakdown. Track for 2-3 weeks and adjust as needed.

The Formula

Your daily calorie needs are calculated by first determining your BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) using the Mifflin-St Jeor equation, then multiplying by an activity factor to get TDEE. For weight loss, we subtract 500-1000 calories (calorie deficit). For muscle gain, we add 300-500 calories (calorie surplus).

Daily Calories = TDEE ± Goal Adjustment

lightbulb Variables Explained

  • Daily Calories Your target calorie intake per day
  • TDEE Total Daily Energy Expenditure (maintenance calories)
  • Goal Adjustment Calorie deficit (-500) for weight loss or surplus (+300-500) for muscle gain

tips_and_updates Pro Tips

1

For safe weight loss, create a 500-calorie deficit (loses ~0.5kg/week) — never go below 1,200 calories for women or 1,500 for men

2

For muscle gain, add 300-500 calories above maintenance combined with strength training

3

Track your calories for 2-3 weeks and adjust based on actual weight changes

4

Protein intake is crucial — aim for 1.6-2.2g per kg of body weight

5

Be honest about your activity level — overestimating leads to eating too much

6

Recalculate your calories after every 5kg of weight change

Calorie Calculator — How Many Calories Should You Eat Per Day?

Our free calorie calculator tells you exactly how many calories you need per day based on your age, gender, height, weight, activity level, and fitness goal. Whether you want to lose weight with a calorie deficit, maintain your weight, or build muscle with a calorie surplus, this calculator gives you personalized daily calorie intake recommendations.

How Many Calories Should I Eat?

Your daily calorie needs are unique to you. They depend on your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR), activity level, and fitness goal. Most adults need between 1,600-3,000 calories per day. Our calorie calculator uses the scientifically-validated Mifflin-St Jeor equation to calculate your exact needs.

Calorie Calculator for Weight Loss

To lose weight, you need a calorie deficit — eating fewer calories than you burn. A 500-calorie daily deficit results in about 0.5kg (1 pound) of weight loss per week. Our calorie deficit calculator shows you exactly how many calories to eat for safe, sustainable weight loss.

Calorie Calculator for Muscle Gain

Building muscle requires a calorie surplus — eating more than you burn. Combined with strength training, a 300-500 calorie surplus supports muscle growth while minimizing fat gain. Our calculator shows your bulking calorie target with optimal macro ratios.

Understanding BMR, TDEE, and Daily Calories

BMR is what you'd burn in a coma. TDEE adds your daily activity and is your maintenance level. Your calorie target adjusts TDEE for your goal. Understanding these numbers helps you make informed decisions about your nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

sell

Tags

verified

Data sourced from trusted institutions

All formulas verified against official standards.