TDEE Calculator: Daily Maintenance Calories
Total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) estimates how many calories you use in a typical day. This tool uses the Mifflin-St Jeor equation for resting energy and one activity factor to estimate your maintenance calories.
Your result
Fill in the form and choose Calculate.
Estimates are educational. They do not diagnose any condition and do not establish eligibility for any medication. A licensed provider decides what is appropriate for you. Explore programs.
How it works
Resting energy (Mifflin-St Jeor, 1990): 10 × kg + 6.25 × cm − 5 × age + 5 for the male constant, − 161 for the female constant. TDEE multiplies that once by an activity factor: 1.2, 1.375, 1.55, 1.725 or 1.9. These line up with the physical activity levels described by FAO/WHO/UNU.
Limitations
- Estimates are often within about 10 percent but can miss by more for individuals.
- Needs change with weight loss, age, illness, medication and hormones.
- This is not a prescription and does not cover pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Sources
- Mifflin MD et al. A new predictive equation for resting energy expenditure in healthy individuals. Am J Clin Nutr 1990
- Human energy requirements: energy requirements of adults | FAO/WHO/UNU
- Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein, and Amino Acids | National Academies
Should I add workout calories on top?
No. The activity factor already includes exercise, so adding tracker calories double counts them.
How accurate is this?
For many adults within roughly 10 percent. Tracking intake and weight for a few weeks is the best check.