Calorie Calculator US
Estimate your daily calorie needs (TDEE) from your BMR and activity level.
How it works
BMI compares your weight to your height as a general screening number. It is the same formula worldwide; only the units differ.
BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height (m)²- Under 18.5 = underweight
- 18.5–24.9 = healthy
- 25–29.9 = overweight
- 30+ = obese
Frequently asked questions
What are maintenance calories?
The approximate number of calories that keeps your weight stable on an average day. It is another name for your estimated TDEE.
How does this calculator estimate calories?
It estimates your resting metabolism with the Mifflin-St Jeor equation and multiplies by an activity factor to approximate your daily energy use.
How accurate is the estimate?
It is a general approximation. Individual metabolism, activity and measurement error mean your real needs may differ noticeably.
What does a calorie deficit or surplus mean?
Eating fewer calories than you use is a deficit, which tends to reduce weight over time; eating more is a surplus, which tends to increase it. The right approach is individual.
How many calories should I eat?
That depends on your body, health and goals, and is best decided with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian rather than from a single estimate.
Is this medical or dietary advice?
No. It is general educational information only and is not a diet plan. Consult a qualified professional before changing how you eat.
Understanding daily calorie needs
This calculator estimates how many calories your body uses in a typical day — your maintenance level, also called TDEE. It is based on your resting metabolism (BMR) scaled by how active you are, and serves as a general reference for understanding energy balance.
How the estimate is built
It first estimates your BMR from height, weight, age and sex using the Mifflin-St Jeor equation, then multiplies by an activity factor (from about 1.2 for sedentary up to 1.9 for very active). The result is an approximate number of calories that, on average, would keep your weight stable.
Energy balance, explained neutrally
In broad terms, consistently eating around your maintenance level tends to keep weight stable, eating below it tends to reduce weight over time, and eating above it tends to increase it. How anyone should apply this depends on their individual health, goals and circumstances — it is not one-size-fits-all.
An estimate, not a prescription
These figures are estimates with a real margin of error, and calorie needs change with activity, health and life stage. This tool does not provide a diet plan or a recommendation for how much you should eat. Before making meaningful changes to your nutrition, especially if you have any health condition, please consult a doctor or registered dietitian.
Results are estimates for general guidance in United States and may not reflect the latest local rates, fees or rules. Check official sources before making decisions.