BMR Calculator
What is Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)?
Your BMR is the number of calories your body burns while at complete rest. Imagine you stayed in bed all day, didn't move a muscle, and just breathed. This is the energy your organs (brain, heart, liver, lungs) require just to keep you alive.
BMR accounts for about 60% to 75% of your total daily energy burn. The rest comes from walking, working, and exercising.
BMR vs. TDEE: The Difference is Motion
Many people confuse these two acronyms. It is critical to know the difference for weight loss.
| Metric | Meaning | Use For |
|---|---|---|
| BMR | Basal Metabolic Rate (Coma Calories) | Your absolute minimum floor. |
| TDEE | Total Daily Energy Expenditure (BMR + Activity) | Your daily maintenance target. |
The "Starvation Mode" Warning
A common mistake dieters make is eating too few calories. If you eat fewer calories than your BMR for a long period, your body may react defensively.
This is known as Metabolic Adaptation. Your body thinks food is scarce, so it slows down non-essential functions (like hair growth, nail growth, and body heat) to conserve energy. This effectively lowers your metabolism, making weight loss harder.
How We Calculate It
This tool uses the Mifflin-St Jeor Equation. Developed in 1990, it is considered more accurate for modern lifestyles than the older Harris-Benedict equation (created in 1919), which tended to overestimate needs for overweight individuals.