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How to Calculate Your Daily Calorie Needs (Step-by-Step Guide)
Nutrition
How to Calculate Your Daily Calorie Needs (Step-by-Step Guide)

2025-02-05

Calculating your daily calorie needs is essential for achieving your weight loss or maintenance goals. This guide will walk you through the process of determining your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) and Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) to help you set the right calorie intake.

Step 1: Calculate Your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)

Your BMR is the number of calories your body needs to perform basic life-sustaining functions. Use the Mifflin-St Jeor equation for the most accurate results:


For Men: BMR = 10 * weight (kg) + 6.25 * height (cm) - 5 * age (years) + 5
For Women: BMR = 10 * weight (kg) + 6.25 * height (cm) - 5 * age (years) - 161
            

*Example: A 30-year-old male weighing 70 kg and standing 175 cm tall would have a BMR of 1,649 calories.

Step 2: Determine Your Activity Level

Adjust your BMR based on your daily activity level using the following multipliers:

  • 🏒 Sedentary (little or no exercise): BMR x 1.2
  • 🚢 Lightly active (light exercise/sports 1-3 days/week): BMR x 1.375
  • 🚴 Moderately active (moderate exercise/sports 3-5 days/week): BMR x 1.55
  • πŸƒ Very active (hard exercise/sports 6-7 days a week): BMR x 1.725
  • πŸ”₯ Super active (very hard exercise & physical job or 2x training): BMR x 1.9

*Example: With a BMR of 1,649 and a moderately active lifestyle, your TDEE would be 2,556 calories.

Step 3: Adjust for Weight Goals

Based on your TDEE, adjust your calorie intake for your specific weight goals:

  • ⬇️ Weight Loss: Consume fewer calories than your TDEE (e.g., a 500-calorie deficit per day to lose about 1 pound per week).
  • ⏸️ Weight Maintenance: Eat the same number of calories as your TDEE.
  • ⬆️ Weight Gain: Consume more calories than your TDEE, focusing on nutrient-dense foods to build muscle.

Why Calculate Your Daily Calorie Needs?

  • βœ… Avoid overeating or undereating
  • βœ… Optimize your workouts for better results
  • βœ… Prevent plateaus in your weight loss journey
  • βœ… Sync with your nutrition plan for balanced results

Useful Tools for Tracking

For precise tracking, use calorie.gg's tools:

Key Takeaways

  • πŸ“ Calculate your BMR using the Mifflin-St Jeor equation.
  • πŸƒ Adjust for activity level to find your TDEE.
  • βš–οΈ Set calorie intake based on your weight goals.
  • πŸ› οΈ Use calorie.gg's tools for accurate tracking and progress monitoring.

Ready to calculate your daily calorie needs? Use calorie.gg's tools to track your exercise calories and monitor your progress for the best results.