Calculate your Basal Metabolic Rate — the number of calories your body burns at complete rest just to keep you alive.
Frequently Asked Questions
BMR stands for Basal Metabolic Rate. It is the number of calories your body needs to perform basic life-sustaining functions like breathing, circulation, cell production, and nutrient processing while at complete rest.
The Mifflin-St Jeor equation (1990) is widely considered the most accurate predictive equation for estimating BMR. It is recommended by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics over older formulas like Harris-Benedict.
BMR is influenced by age (decreases ~2% per decade after 20), sex (males typically have higher BMR due to more muscle mass), body composition (more muscle = higher BMR), height, weight, genetics, and hormonal factors like thyroid function.
They are similar but not identical. BMR is measured under very strict conditions (complete rest, fasting, thermoneutral environment). RMR is measured under less strict conditions and is typically 10-20% higher than BMR. For practical purposes, they are often used interchangeably.
Yes. Building muscle mass through resistance training is the most effective way to increase BMR, since muscle tissue burns more calories at rest than fat tissue. Staying hydrated, getting adequate sleep, and eating enough protein also support a healthy metabolic rate.
BMR only accounts for calories burned at rest. To know how many calories you burn in total (including activity), use the TDEE calculator which multiplies your BMR by an activity factor.