Calories Burned Calculator
Estimate calories burned for 15 common activities using Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) values from the 2011 Compendium of Physical Activities.
How to use the Calories Burned Calculator
- Enter your numbers in the Calories Burned Calculator above.
- Press the Calculate button to see the result.
- To try other numbers, change any value and press the button again.
The MET calorie formula
Calories burned = MET × weight (kg) × time (hours)
One MET equals the energy cost of sitting quietly, about 1 kcal/kg/hour. Light activities are 2–3 METs, moderate 3–6 METs, vigorous 6+ METs. Running at 6 mph is 9.8 METs.
Worked example
A 75 kg adult running at 6 mph (9.8 METs) for 30 minutes: 9.8 × 75 × 0.5 = 367.5 kcal, which the calculator shows as 368. The same person cycling moderately (8 METs) for 45 minutes: 8 × 75 × 0.75 = 450 kcal.
Frequently asked questions
How accurate are MET estimates?
A MET value is an average for an activity. The formula scales it by your weight and the time you spend, and it knows nothing else about you. Your efficiency, fitness and body composition are not in the result, so read it as an estimate.
Which units does it take?
Body weight in pounds or kilograms, switched with the US / Imperial and Metric buttons, and the time in minutes. Pounds are converted at 0.45359237 kg each. The result is in kilocalories (kcal).
Does weight affect calories burned?
Yes. The formula multiplies by your weight, so for the same activity and time, twice the weight gives twice the calories.
Why does it show no result?
The weight or the minutes field is empty, 0 or negative. Enter a positive number in both and press Calculate again.