How to Use the TDEE Calculator?
- Enter the Weight
- Enter the Height
- Enter the age
- Select Gender
- Select activity level
Click the “Calculate TDEE’’ & see your result.
TDEE Calculator
Ever wonder how many calories you need to maintain your current weight, lose fat, or build muscle? That’s where a TDEE Calculator comes in. It helps you determine your Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) — the number of calories your body burns each day based on your activity level.
Whether you’re planning to start a new diet, adjust your fitness routine, or optimize your health goals, calculating your TDEE is the first step toward success.
What Is TDEE?
TDEE stands for Total Daily Energy Expenditure. It’s the total number of calories your body needs to function every day, including everything from breathing and digestion to workouts and daily movement.
TDEE is made up of:
- Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) – Energy used at rest
- Thermic Effect of Food (TEF) – Energy used to digest food
- Exercise Activity – Calories burned during workouts
- Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT) – Movement outside of structured exercise (like walking, cleaning, etc.)
TDEE is the most accurate way to know how many calories you burn daily. It’s essential for setting your weight loss or muscle gain goals.
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What Is a TDEE Calculator?
A TDEE Calculator helps you estimate how many calories you burn in a day based on:
- Your age
- Gender
- Height
- Weight
- Activity level
Some calculators also factor in body fat percentage for more accuracy.
With your TDEE calculated, you’ll know exactly how many calories to consume to maintain, lose, or gain weight.
TDEE and Your Fitness Goals
Once you calculate your TDEE, you can adjust your daily calories based on your goal:
| Goal | Calories to Eat per Day |
| Maintain Weight | Eat at your TDEE |
| Lose Weight | TDEE – 500 calories (for ~1 lb fat/week) |
| Gain Muscle | TDEE + 250–500 calories (slow, lean gains) |
Example: If your TDEE is 2,200 calories, you should eat:
- 2,200 to maintain
- 1,700 to lose fat
- 2,500–2,700 to gain muscle
TDEE Activity Levels
When using a TDEE calculator, you’ll need to choose your activity level. Here’s a breakdown:
| Activity Level | Description | Multiplier |
| Sedentary | Little to no exercise | 1.2 |
| Lightly active | Light exercise/sports 1–3 days/week | 1.375 |
| Moderately active | Moderate exercise 3–5 days/week | 1.55 |
| Very active | Hard exercise 6–7 days/week | 1.725 |
| Super active | Very intense training or a physical job | 1.9 |
How Is TDEE Calculated?
Step 1: Calculate your BMR
The most common method is the Mifflin-St. Jeor equation:
- For men:
BMR = 10 × weight (kg) + 6.25 × height (cm) – 5 × age + 5 - For women:
BMR = 10 × weight (kg) + 6.25 × height (cm) – 5 × age – 161
Step 2: Multiply BMR by your activity level
TDEE = BMR × Activity Factor
From TDEE to Macros
Once you know your TDEE, you can set your macronutrient goals (protein, carbs, fat):
Example (2,000 calorie diet for fat loss):
- Protein: 30% = 150g
- Carbs: 40% = 200g
- Fat: 30% = 67g
Adjust your macro split based on your training, goals, and personal preferences.
Why TDEE Is More Accurate Than Calorie Averages
Unlike general “2,000 calories a day” guidelines, your TDEE is personalized. It considers:
✅ Your metabolism
✅ Your daily activity
✅ Your goals
TDEE provides a scientific starting point for effective weight management and long-term health success.
Tips for Using Your TDEE
- Track calories for 1–2 weeks to see how your actual intake compares
- Recalculate TDEE if your weight or activity level changes significantly
- Combine with a macro calculator for best results.
- Use a food tracking app like MyFitnessPal or Cronometer.
Things That Affect TDEE
- Muscle Mass – More muscle = higher TDEE
- Hormones – Thyroid levels, stress, and sleep can influence your metabolism
- Age – TDEE decreases with age due to the loss of muscle
- Dieting history – Long-term calorie restriction can lower your TDEE
- NEAT – Small movements (like pacing or fidgeting) can have a big impact!
The TDEE Calculator is one of the most powerful tools for anyone serious about health, fitness, or body transformation. It helps you understand your body’s calorie needs and gives you the clarity to make informed diet choices—no more guessing!
Whether you’re trying to lose fat, build muscle, or stay lean, knowing your TDEE gives you the roadmap.
Start with the right numbers. Stick to the plan. See real results.
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical or dietary advice.
FAQ
What is a TDEE Calculator?
A TDEE Calculator estimates how many calories you burn per day based on your age, weight, height, gender, and activity level. This is your total daily energy expenditure.
What does TDEE stand for?
TDEE stands for Total Daily Energy Expenditure—the total number of calories your body needs in a day to maintain your current weight, including all physical activity.
Why is TDEE important?
Knowing your TDEE helps you set smart goals for weight loss, muscle gain, or maintenance by adjusting your daily calorie intake accordingly.
How is TDEE calculated?
TDEE is calculated by multiplying your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) by an activity factor that reflects how active you are daily.
What is the difference between BMR and TDEE?
BMR is the number of calories your body burns at rest.
TDEE includes your BMR plus the calories burned through physical activity, exercise, and even basic movement like walking.
How accurate is the TDEE calculator?
It gives a good estimate, but actual needs can vary slightly based on metabolism, muscle mass, and other personal factors.
Can I use TDEE to lose weight?
Yes! To lose weight, eat fewer calories than your TDEE—usually by creating a deficit of 500–1000 calories/day to lose about 1–2 pounds per week.
Can TDEE help with muscle gain?
Absolutely! To build muscle, aim to eat more calories than your TDEE (a calorie surplus) while focusing on protein intake and strength training.
How often should I update my TDEE?
If your weight, activity level, or fitness goals change, it’s a good idea to recalculate your TDEE every 4–6 weeks.
What activity levels are used in the calculator?
Most calculators use levels like:
Sedentary (little or no exercise)
Lightly active (light exercise/sports 1–3 days a week)
Moderately active (moderate exercise 3–5 days/week)
Very active (hard exercise 6–7 days/week)
Extra active (intense training or physical job)
Does age or gender affect TDEE?
Yes. Men typically have a higher TDEE due to more muscle mass. Age also plays a role—TDEE tends to decrease with age due to a slower metabolism.
Can I use this calculator daily?
Yes! It’s a great tool for staying on track with your nutrition, macros, or calorie tracking, especially if your routines or fitness plans change frequently.
