How to Calculate Energy Output Using BMR

Basal Metabolic Rate, or BMR, is an approximate measure of how much energy (calories) your body burns just to stay alive. BMR, along with other tools, is useful in determining your daily energy output. Following are the steps to perform BMR calculations.

Things You'll Need

• Calculator

Instructions

Calculate BMR for Men

1. Multiply your weight in pounds by 6.23 (Ex. 180 X 6.23=1121.4). Add 66 to this number (1121.4 + 66=1187.4).

2. Multiply your height in inches by 12.7 (tip: 12 inches in a foot) (Ex. 70 X 12.7=889). Add this number to the previous step's total (889 + 1187.4=2076.4).

3. Multiply your age in years by 6.8 (24 X 6.8=163.2). Subtract the total amount in the previous two steps by this number (2076.4 - 163.2=1913.2). By the example, a male weighing 180 lbs. and standing 5 feet 10 inches tall has a basic daily energy output of 1913.2 calories.

Calculate BMR for Women

1. Multiply your weight in pounds by 4.35 (Ex. 130 X 4.35=565.5). Add 655 to this number (565.5 + 655=1220.5).

2. Multiply your height in inches by 4.7 (tip: 12 inches in a foot) (Ex. 65 X 4.7=305.5). Add this number to the previous step's total (305.5 + 1220.5=1526).

3. Multiply your age in years by 4.7 (24 X 4.7=112.8). Subtract the total amount in the previous two steps by this number (1526 - 112.8=1413.2). By the example, a female weighing 130 lbs. and standing 5 feet 5 inches tall has a basic daily energy output of 1413.2 calories.

Tips & Warnings

• BMR is the base amount of calories your body burns to stay alive. Any type of activity will increase your daily energy output. Daily BMR should not be used as a dietary guide, unless activity level is added. See the Resources section for the Harris Benedict Equation to add to your BMR.

References

• Basal Metabolic Rate information
• BMR formula

Resources

• Harris Benedict equation information