How to use the Calories Burned Calculator
Start with Body weight and Duration (minutes). Choose an Activity type, or enter a Custom MET value (optional; overrides activity). For Walking, Running/jogging, and Cycling, Distance can select the MET row used for the estimate.
- Enter a number greater than 0 in Body weight, choose kg or lb, and enter Duration (minutes).
- Choose an option in Activity type, or enter a Custom MET value (optional; overrides activity) greater than 0 and no greater than 25.
- For Walking, Running/jogging, or Cycling, enter Distance (optional - refines the pace), or leave it blank and choose Typical pace (used only if no distance is entered).
- Select Calculate Calories to see the estimated calories burned, Likely range (kcal), MET value used, formula, and assumptions.
- Select Copy result or Download result (.txt) to save the text summary. Select Reset to clear the form.
How distance changes the estimate
Walking, Running/jogging, and Cycling show Typical pace (used only if no distance is entered) and Distance (optional - refines the pace). A distance greater than 0 with Duration (minutes) produces an average pace in mph, then the calculator selects a MET row for that speed. A blank, zero, or invalid Distance leaves the selected Typical pace in use.
Body weight: 70 kg
Activity type: Running/jogging
Duration (minutes): 60
Distance: 10 km
Estimated calories burned (kcal): 686
Likely range (kcal): 583-789
MET value used: 9.8How the formula uses MET
The calculation is Calories = MET x weight (kg) x duration (hours). It converts lb to kg and mi to km before calculating, using 1 lb = 0.45359237 kg and 1 mi = 1.609344 km. The result includes the estimate, Likely range (kcal), MET value used, and assumptions.
Why the result has a range
The range comes from the MET values used by the calculation. Paced activities and Custom MET value (optional; overrides activity) use 85% to 115% of the selected MET value. Fixed activities use their activity-specific low and high values. The single estimate and range are approximations.
Input rules
- Body weight and Duration (minutes) must contain numbers greater than 0.
- Custom MET value (optional; overrides activity) must be greater than 0 and no greater than 25.
- Missing or invalid input shows an error and keeps the result hidden until corrected.
- Each calculation applies one MET value across the duration. The form has no inputs for pace changes, elevation, or rest breaks.
- The estimate is not medical or nutritional advice, a diagnosis, or an exercise prescription.
Choosing an activity
For a run, choose Running/jogging, enter Body weight and Duration (minutes), then add Distance. A cyclist can use the same fields after a ride. Leave Distance blank when you want Typical pace (used only if no distance is entered).
For a household workout, choose Weight lifting, moderate effort or Housework, general cleaning. When the activity you need is missing, enter its number in Custom MET value (optional; overrides activity).
Choosing another health calculator
Use Health Calculators to choose among five health calculators. Choose Calorie Calculator for BMR, maintenance calories (TDEE), or a daily target. Choose BMI Calculator for Body Mass Index from height and weight, or Body Fat Percentage Calculator for the US Navy circumference method.
Frequently asked questions
How does the Calories Burned Calculator work?
It multiplies the selected MET value by Body weight in kilograms and Duration (minutes) in hours. The result includes Estimated calories burned (kcal) and Likely range (kcal).
What does Custom MET value do?
Custom MET value (optional; overrides activity) replaces the selected Activity type when it contains a number greater than 0 and no greater than 25. Its range uses 85% to 115% of that value.
How does Distance affect Walking, Running/jogging, or Cycling?
A Distance greater than 0 with Duration (minutes) produces an average pace in mph and selects a MET value from the Activity type speed table. Without a usable Distance, the calculator uses Typical pace (used only if no distance is entered).
Why does the result show Likely range (kcal)?
Likely range (kcal) uses the selected Activity type's low and high MET values, or 85% to 115% for paced activities and Custom MET value (optional; overrides activity). The displayed values are rounded.
Can I copy or download the result?
Select Copy result for the plain-text summary or Download result (.txt) for a text file containing the result and assumptions. If copying fails, the page tells you to select and copy the text manually.