Decision tools built for clarity
Calorie Calculator
Estimate daily maintenance energy from an activity selection.
Choose units, sex, and activity level, then enter age, weight, and height.
This PAL-based calorie estimate is educational, not a diet or treatment target, and should not replace advice from a qualified professional.
Methodology
Formula or transformation
Multiplies the Mifflin-St Jeor resting-energy estimate by the selected physical activity factor.
Variables
- Weight normalized to kilograms
- Height normalized to centimeters
- Age in completed years
- Formula sex constant
- Estimated resting energy
- Selected physical activity factor
- Estimated maintenance energy
Units
- Kilogram
- Centimeter
- Year
- Kilocalories per day
- Dimensionless value
Rounding policy
Estimated daily energy values are rounded to the declared result scale using half away from zero.
The calculator multiplies a Mifflin–St Jeor resting-energy estimate by the selected physical activity level (PAL) factor.
Estimate daily maintenance energy from an activity selection.
Reviewed sources
- PubMed / U.S. National Library of Medicine — A new predictive equation for resting energy expenditure Reviewed on 2026-09-04
- FAO/WHO/UNU — Human energy requirements and physical activity level Reviewed on 2026-09-04
Formula review history
-
Initial formula and source review.
Reviewed 2026-09-04 for formula version mifflin-pal-maintenance-v1
Assumptions
- The selected PAL category reasonably represents usual activity.
- Body weight, activity, and the equation inputs remain broadly stable.
Limitations
- PAL categories are broad and real daily expenditure varies with activity, body composition, and physiology.
- The result is not an individualized diet prescription, weight-loss target, or medical treatment target.
Worked example
A 30-year-old male at 70 kg and 175 cm has estimated BMR 1,648.75; a moderate PAL factor of 1.76 gives about 2,901.80 kcal/day.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a calorie intake prescription?
No. It is an estimated maintenance-energy reference, not a diet plan.
Why can actual needs differ?
PAL selection, day-to-day activity, metabolism, illness, pregnancy, and measurement error all add uncertainty.