TDEE Calculator (Total Daily Energy Expenditure)
Your Daily Calorie Expenditure
Your Calorie Goal
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Calculating Your TDEE for Precision Weight Management
The **TDEE Calculator** is the fundamental tool for precise **weight management**. **TDEE** (**Total Daily Energy Expenditure**) represents the total number of calories your body burns in a $24$-hour period, combining your Basal Metabolic Rate (**BMR**) with the energy burned through daily movement and exercise. Whether your goal is **weight loss**, **maintenance**, or **weight gain**, knowing your TDEE is essential for setting accurate **calorie goals**.
The TDEE Formula and Activity Factor
The TDEE is calculated by multiplying your **BMR** (which we calculate using the Mifflin-St Jeor formula) by an **activity factor** that corresponds to your lifestyle:
The **activity factor** ranges from $1.2$ (sedentary) up to $1.9$ (extreme activity). Choosing the correct **activity factor** is critical to deriving accurate **maintenance calories** and avoiding common errors that derail **weight loss goals**.
Setting Your Calorie Goals
Once your **TDEE** is calculated (your **maintenance calories**), you can adjust your intake based on your goals:
- **Weight Loss:** Consume fewer calories than your **TDEE** (a $500$ calorie deficit typically results in $1$ pound of loss per week).
- **Weight Gain:** Consume more calories than your **TDEE** (a $250$-$500$ calorie surplus is common for muscle gain).
- **Maintenance:** Consume roughly the same number of calories as your **TDEE**.
Use your **TDEE** result alongside our **Macronutrient Planner** to ensure you not only hit your caloric target but also consume the right balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates for optimal results.
TDEE Calculator FAQs
**BMR** (**Basal Metabolic Rate**) is the energy burned at complete rest, just to stay alive. **TDEE** (**Total Daily Energy Expenditure**) includes your **BMR** plus the calories burned from digestion, walking, standing, and exercise. TDEE is your true **maintenance calories** number.
The **TDEE calculator** provides an excellent **estimate** of **calorie expenditure**. Its accuracy depends heavily on selecting the correct **activity factor**. After calculating your **TDEE**, monitor your weight for 2-3 weeks; if your weight changes, slightly adjust your calculated TDEE up or down until you hit true **maintenance calories**.
TDEE is essential for **weight loss goals** because it establishes the baseline needed to create a deficit. Without knowing your **TDEE**, any attempt at a calorie deficit is guesswork. Using the **TDEE calculator** ensures your **calorie goals** are precise and sustainable, leading to predictable **weight management**.