Calories Burned Calculator

The standard formula is: Calories = MET x weight(kg) x time(hours). MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) is a ratio of exercise intensity to resting metabolism. A MET of 1.0 equals resting metabolic rate. Running at a moderate pace has a MET of about 8, meaning it burns 8x more calories per minute than rest.

MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) is a standard unit that quantifies the energy cost of physical activities as a multiple of the resting metabolic rate. METs are published by the Compendium of Physical Activities (Ainsworth et al.), which is the authoritative reference used in exercise science and research.

These estimates apply population averages. Individual calorie burn varies by fitness level, muscle mass, exercise intensity, terrain, and temperature. Calorie tracking from wearables and fitness equipment is also estimated. For clinical precision, indirect calorimetry (measuring oxygen consumption) is required.

Yes, significantly. A heavier person burns more calories doing the same activity for the same duration because more mass must be moved. The MET formula accounts for this directly — weight(kg) is multiplied by the MET value. Someone who weighs 90kg burns approximately 50% more calories per minute than someone who weighs 60kg.

A commonly cited approximation is about 100 calories per mile, though this varies by weight and pace. A 150-lb (68kg) person walking at a moderate pace (MET ~3.5) for 1 mile (about 20 minutes): 3.5 x 68 x (20/60) = 79 calories. Heavier individuals burn more; lighter individuals burn less.