How this calculator works
The original 1918 Harris-Benedict equation estimates adult resting energy from sex, age, mass and height. Algebraic modes rearrange the same equation. PAL is a user-selected whole-day multiplier, not an exercise-frequency rule. BEE means basal energy expenditure. Additional illness, burn and fever factors require individual clinical assessment; enter an adjustment only if a clinician supplied it. The result is an estimate for information only and is not medical advice.
Formula
Male BEE = 66.473 + 13.7516W + 5.0033H - 6.755A; female BEE = 655.0955 + 9.5634W + 1.8496H - 4.6756A. W is kg, H is cm, A is years. Total energy = basal energy x PAL x supplied adjustment.
Worked example
For a 30-year-old man at 80 kg and 180 cm, BEE is 1864.545 kcal/day. With PAL 1.4 and no extra adjustment, total energy is 2610.363 kcal/day.
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Frequently asked questions
Does the result include exercise?
Basal energy describes rest. The activity multiplier estimates a whole day, including ordinary movement.
Can illness change the result?
Yes. Indirect calorimetry and clinical nutrition assessment are more appropriate when disease changes metabolism.
Are these equations suitable for children?
This page is limited to adults. Growth requires a different model, which the EER calculator provides.