Personalized TDEE and Macronutrient Calculator

EN DE FR

TDEE & Macro Estimator

Calculate your maintenance calories and optimized macronutrient splits, localized for your current environment and metabolism.

WELCOME

Personal Metrics

Want a faster result? Plan your Deficit Timeline →

Daily Energy Expenditure

--- kcal/day

Protein

--

Fats

--

Carbs

--

Accelerate Your Results

This Nightime Hack Melts Fat While You Sleep.

Learn More

0 kcal/day

Real-Time Partitioning

Metabolic demand based on current inputs

Fixed Basal (BMR) 0 kcal
Activity Burn 0 kcal

The Science of the Math

Our calculator dynamically switches between the <strong>Mifflin-St Jeor</strong> and <strong>Katch-McArdle</strong> equations to provide 2026-standard accuracy. We prioritize Lean Body Mass (LBM) if body fat data is provided.

Standard: Mifflin-St Jeor
Male: (10 × kg) + (6.25 × cm) - (5 × age) + 5 Female: (10 × kg) + (6.25 × cm) - (5 × age) - 161
Advanced: Katch-McArdle (Used if Body Fat % is entered) BMR = 370 + (21.6 × LBMkg)

1. Basal Rate (BMR)

The baseline energy required for vital functions. Katch-McArdle is used for those with known body fat for higher precision.

2. Thermic Effect

We apply your activity multiplier (PAL) to account for movement and the thermic effect of food digestion.

3. Goal Calibration

Finally, we apply a <strong>-500 kcal</strong> deficit for weight loss or a <strong>+300 kcal</strong> surplus for muscle hypertrophy.

Understanding Your Energy Balance

What is TDEE?

TDEE stands for <strong>Total Daily Energy Expenditure</strong>. It is the total number of calories your body burns in a 24-hour period, including exercise, digestion, and basic organ function (BMR).

Why the Mifflin-St Jeor Equation?

As of 2026, this remains the most reliable peer-reviewed formula for estimating metabolic rates without expensive lab equipment like indirect calorimetry.

US Informational
HEALTH | 6th May 2026 • 1 min read

Why Muscle is the New Metabolic Marker of 2026

Muscle as a Longevity Organ

In 2026, skeletal muscle is recognized as a critical endocrine organ that regulates glucose and supports metabolic resilience throughout life.

Sarcopenia Prevention

Losing muscle (sarcopenia) is now treated as a primary aging risk, similar to high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

Official Insight

The CDC has launched the 'Stronger for Longer' campaign to promote resistance training for adults over 40.

Summary: Understand why muscle mass is considered a critical longevity organ in 2026 for preventing metabolic disease.

Read Full Insight

How your energy is spent

Your Total Daily Energy Expenditure isn't just exercise. It's a combination of BMR (60-70%), NEAT (Non-exercise activity), TEF (Digestion), and EAT (Planned workouts).

Metabolic Intelligence FAQ

Everything you need to know about TDEE, Macros, and 2026 Metabolic Science.

What is TDEE and why does it matter?
TDEE stands for Total Daily Energy Expenditure. It represents the total calories you burn in a day. Understanding this is the first step toward any body composition goal.
What is the difference between BMR and TDEE?
BMR is the energy your body needs at rest for vital functions. TDEE is your BMR plus the energy used for physical activity and digestion.
How accurate is the Mifflin-St Jeor equation?
In 2026, it remains the gold standard for metabolic estimation, proven to be within 10% accuracy for most healthy adults.
Why does biological sex affect the calculation?
Sex influences BMR primarily due to muscle mass. Males generally have higher muscle mass, which is more metabolically active.
Does age really slow down metabolism?
Metabolism naturally slows by 1-2% per decade after age 20, largely due to the gradual loss of muscle mass.
What counts as 'Sedentary' activity?
Sedentary describes a lifestyle with little to no intentional exercise and a desk-bound job. Most office workers fall here.
How do I choose the right activity level?
Be conservative. If you work out 3x a week but sit the rest of the day, 'Lightly Active' is usually more accurate than 'Moderate'.
Should I eat back the calories I burn during exercise?
Generally, no. Your TDEE result already includes your activity level, so eating back 'burned' calories often leads to a surplus.
How many calories for a 70kg sedentary worker?
A 70kg sedentary adult typically requires between 1,800 and 2,100 calories for maintenance, depending on age.
Does walking 10,000 steps change my activity level?
Yes, consistently hitting 10,000 steps daily usually moves an individual from 'Sedentary' to 'Lightly Active'.
What is the best macro split for weight loss?
A balanced 30% Protein, 30% Fat, and 40% Carbohydrate split is a sustainable starting point for fat loss.
How much protein do I really need?
Our calculation targets 1.6g to 2.2g of protein per kilogram of body weight, optimal for muscle preservation.
Can I lose weight without counting macros?
Yes, as long as you are in a calorie deficit. However, macros ensure that weight loss comes from fat, not muscle.
Why are some fats set at 30%?
Dietary fats are essential for hormone production. Dropping below 20% for long periods can disrupt metabolic health.
Are carbs bad for weight loss?
No. Carbs are your body's preferred energy source. As long as you are in a deficit, carbs will not prevent weight loss.
Why am I not losing weight even if I eat below my TDEE?
Common causes include underestimating portions, overestimating activity, or temporary water retention.
How often should I recalculate my TDEE?
Recalculate your metrics every time you lose or gain 3-5kg, as your metabolic needs change with mass.
Does drinking water increase TDEE?
Water can slightly increase metabolic rate through thermogenesis and is vital for fat oxidation processes.
What is 'Starvation Mode'?
A metabolic adaptation where the body slightly slows expenditure during extreme deficits, but it doesn't stop weight loss.
Can I use this for kids or teenagers?
No. This formula is designed for adults (18+). Children have unique growth-related energy needs.

Metabolic Glossary

BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate)

The number of calories your body burns just to stay alive (breathing, circulating blood) while at total rest.

NEAT

Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis. This includes calories burned walking to your car, typing, or fidgeting.

Common Questions

Is Katch-McArdle better?

If you know your body fat percentage, yes. It is more accurate for muscular individuals as muscle is more metabolically active than fat.

How often should I recalculate?

Ideally every 5–10 lbs of weight change, as your new mass requires different energy levels.

More Frequently Asked Questions In New York City

How accurate is this TDEE calculation?

While the Mifflin-St Jeor and Katch-McArdle formulas are the gold standard, no calculator is 100% accurate. External factors like sleep quality, stress (cortisol), and individual gut microbiome can shift your metabolic rate by 10-15%.

What is the best macro split for weight loss?

For weight loss, a high-protein approach is recommended (approx. 30-35% of total calories). This helps preserve lean muscle mass while in a calorie deficit.

Explore Specialized Tools

🥗

Health

Body Fat & Fitness

 🧭

Roadmap

Deficit & Timeline

 🏠

Investing

Real Estate & ROI

 💰

Taxes

US State Tax Guide

 🏷️

Lifestyle

Pricing & Tips Estimator

 🏙️

Lifestyle

City Power Index