Complete guide: Daily Calorie
Updated:
Mifflin–St Jeor estimates resting energy expenditure: 10×kg + 6.25×cm − 5×age, plus 5 for the male branch or minus 161 for the female branch. It is a population prediction, not measured calorimetry or exact individual needs.
Maintenance multiplies resting expenditure by a practical activity factor. Factors are approximations, not part of the original equation. Deficit is capped at the lesser of 10% and 300 kcal/day; surplus up to 20%. It does not predict weight change or timelines or add exercise calories twice.
Adults age 20–78 only, not pregnant/breastfeeding or requiring a clinical plan. Deficit blocked with BMI below 18.5 or result below 1,500 kcal; other scenarios below 1,200 female branch or 1,500 male. These are product precautions, not guaranteed medical minimums. Seek advice for illness, medication or eating-disorder history.
Sources and health limitations
Document review: 2026-10-24
How it works
- 1Enter measurements, age and equation branch.
- 2Resting expenditure × activity = approximate maintenance.
- 3Compare maintenance with a moderate adjustment, not a prescription.
Frequently asked questions
Can children or pregnant people use it?
No. This general adult estimate does not replace pediatric, prenatal or nutritional assessment or an individualized clinical plan.
Why is my actual expenditure different?
Activity, body composition and measurement error create variation. Factors do not measure metabolism.
Are values preserved when sharing?
The link retains entered values. Weight, dates and other health data are included in the link: share only with people you want to see them.