Understanding Calorie Needs
What is a Calorie Calculator?
A calorie calculator estimates how many calories you need each day to maintain, lose, or gain weight based on your personal factors like age, gender, height, weight, and activity level. It uses scientifically validated equations to calculate your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) and Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE).
How Calories Affect Weight
- Weight Loss: Consume fewer calories than you burn (deficit)
- Weight Maintenance: Match calories to your expenditure
- Weight Gain: Consume more calories than you burn (surplus)
Activity Level Guide
- Sedentary: Little to no exercise
- Lightly Active: Light exercise 1-3 days/week
- Moderately Active: Moderate exercise 3-5 days/week
- Very Active: Hard exercise 6-7 days/week
- Extremely Active: Very hard exercise & physical job
Important Note
While this calculator provides accurate estimates, individual results may vary. For best results, track your calories and weight for 2-3 weeks and adjust based on your progress.