Harris-Benedict BMR Calculator

Health

Calculate your Basal Metabolic Rate using the classic Harris-Benedict equation. Enter your sex, weight, height, and age to see the calories your body burns at rest each day.

Formula

Harris-Benedict: Male = 66.473 + 13.7516W + 5.0033H − 6.755A; Female = 655.0955 + 9.5634W + 1.8496H − 4.6756A
  • The Harris-Benedict equation estimates resting calorie needs from weight (kg), height (cm), and age (years).
  • Men: 66.473 + 13.7516×weight + 5.0033×height − 6.755×age.
  • Women: 655.0955 + 9.5634×weight + 1.8496×height − 4.6756×age.
  • This is the original 1919 formula; the Mifflin-St Jeor equation is often slightly more accurate for modern populations.
  • Multiply your BMR by an activity factor (1.2–1.9) to estimate your total daily energy expenditure.

Male, 70 kg, 170 cm, 30 years

Inputs
  • Sex: male
  • Weight (kg): 70
  • Height (cm): 170
  • Age (years): 30

BMR = 66.473 + 13.7516×70 + 5.0033×170 − 6.755×30 ≈ 1,696 kcal/day, or about 71 kcal per hour at rest.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Harris-Benedict equation?
It is one of the oldest and best-known formulas for estimating Basal Metabolic Rate from sex, weight, height, and age.
How is BMR different from daily calorie needs?
BMR is calories at rest. Multiply it by an activity factor to get your total daily energy expenditure (TDEE), which includes movement and exercise.
Is Harris-Benedict still accurate?
It works well but tends to slightly overestimate for some people. The revised Mifflin-St Jeor equation is often preferred today.
What units should I use?
Enter weight in kilograms, height in centimetres, and age in years.
Can I use BMR for weight loss?
Yes. Estimate your TDEE from BMR, then eat below it to lose weight or above it to gain, adjusting based on real results.