CalcaTools

TDEE Calculator

A TDEE Calculator is a free online tool that estimates total daily energy expenditure using total daily energy expenditure, TDEE for weight loss, maintenance calories. Coaches, clinicians, and people tracking their health use it to set targets, track progress, and screen for risk against published guidance from IOM Dietary Reference Intakes.

Last updated: June 2026 · Free · No sign-up required

yrs
Results

Enter values above and click Calculate to see your result instantly.

Quick reference

Activity levelMultiplierDescription
Sedentary1.20Desk work, little exercise
Light1.375Light exercise 1–3 days/week
Moderate1.55Training 3–5 days/week
Very active1.725Hard exercise most days
Extra active1.90Physical job plus hard training

monitor_weight A starting point, not a diagnosis

This calculator gives you the same number a clinician would compute by hand from your inputs. It is informational, never a substitute for a doctor. If a result surprises you, write it down and discuss it at your next appointment — that conversation is the goal, not a verdict from a webpage.

science Built from peer-reviewed formulas

Every health calculator on CalcaTools uses an equation from the WHO, NIH, ACOG, CDC, or a published peer-reviewed paper. The exact citation is in the "Formula & methodology" section. We re-check sources quarterly and update the page when guidance changes — the "Last reviewed" date is at the top.

volunteer_activism Designed for real people

Health calculations only help if you can actually use them. We use plain-English labels (no jargon), accept both metric and US units, and show what a "normal" range looks like alongside your result — so you understand what the number means, not just what it is.

lock Private by design

Your weight, height, age, pregnancy details, and any other health input never leave your browser. Calculations run client-side; nothing is logged or stored on our side. We don't want your medical data — we just want the formula to work for you.

Interpretation guide

GoalStarting target
Fat lossTDEE − 300 to 500 kcal/day
MaintenanceAround TDEE
Lean gainTDEE + 150 to 300 kcal/day

Formula & methodology

Formula: TDEE = BMR × activity multiplier

TDEE starts from BMR, then multiplies by activity. The activity multiplier is the largest source of error, so use 2–4 weeks of body-weight trend data to calibrate.

Authoritative source: IOM Dietary Reference Intakes

Frequently asked questions

How do I use the TDEE calculator?
Enter the requested values, review the instant result, then compare the reference table and interpretation guide below the calculator. Adjust one input at a time to see which assumption changes the result most.
What formula does the TDEE calculator use?
The calculator uses TDEE = BMR × activity multiplier and standard unit conversions or finance/statistics conventions where applicable.
Is the TDEE calculator accurate?
Results are estimates based on the values entered; check source data and assumptions before making decisions.
Why do my results differ from another calculator?
Different calculators may round differently, include extra assumptions, or use a different input frequency. Match the units, dates, tax assumptions, and rounding method before comparing outputs.
Can the TDEE calculator replace professional advice?
No. Use it for education and planning, then confirm important health, tax, pregnancy, or financial decisions with a qualified professional.