Question 1

What is TDEE and how is it different from BMR?

Accepted Answer

BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) is the calories your body burns at complete rest, just to keep vital functions running. TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure) is your BMR multiplied by your activity level - it's the total calories you burn in a day including exercise and daily activities. TDEE is what you should eat to maintain your current weight.

Question 2

Which BMR formula is most accurate?

Accepted Answer

Mifflin-St Jeor is generally the most accurate for most people and is recommended. Harris-Benedict is the original formula but less accurate. Katch-McArdle is most accurate if you know your body fat percentage, as it calculates based on lean body mass. Our calculator lets you compare all three formulas.

Question 3

How do I know my activity level?

Accepted Answer

Activity levels: Sedentary (little/no exercise, desk job), Light (light exercise 1-3 days/week), Moderate (moderate exercise 3-5 days/week), Active (hard exercise 6-7 days/week), Very Active (very hard exercise & physical job). Choose the level that best matches your weekly activity. You can also use a custom activity multiplier for specific scenarios.

Question 4

Should I use body fat percentage for TDEE calculation?

Accepted Answer

If you know your body fat percentage, use the Katch-McArdle formula for maximum accuracy. This formula calculates BMR based on lean body mass, which is more accurate than formulas that only use height and weight. Enter your body fat percentage to see the difference in results.

Question 5

How do I use TDEE for weight loss or gain?

Accepted Answer

Use goal mode to see calories for different goals. For weight loss, subtract 500-750 calories from TDEE (1-1.5 lbs/week loss). For weight gain, add 300-500 calories to TDEE (lean muscle gain). The calculator shows goal-based calories automatically when you select maintenance, loss, or gain mode.

TDEE Calculator - Total Daily Energy Expenditure, BMR & Calorie Needs

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