How this calculator works
The 2023 DRI model chooses coefficients by age, sex and physical activity category. Growth energy is included below age 19. Pregnancy from week 14 uses current weight, gestation and pre-pregnancy BMI; the first trimester uses the non-pregnant equation. Breastfeeding adds 400 kcal/day in the first 6 months and 380 in months 7 to 12. BMI is an arithmetic output, not a paediatric percentile. Activity categories describe the whole day: adult PAL bands are below 1.53, 1.53 to below 1.68, 1.68 to below 1.85, and 1.85 to below 2.50. The result is an estimate for information only and is not medical advice.
Formula
EER = intercept + age coefficient x years + height coefficient x cm + weight coefficient x kg + growth or life-stage term. Inactive adults: male = 753.07 - 10.83A + 6.50H + 14.10W; female = 584.90 - 7.01A + 5.72H + 11.71W. Full activity-specific coefficient sets are in Health Canada's source tables.
Worked example
An inactive 30-year-old man at 170 cm and 70 kg has EER 2520.17 kcal/day. An inactive 30-year-old woman at 170 cm and 70 kg has EER 2166.70 kcal/day.
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Frequently asked questions
Why does this differ from older EER tools?
The 2023 DRIs revised both coefficients and activity categories. This tool uses those equations rather than the 2005 PA multipliers.
Does BMI identify a child's weight status?
No. Children need age- and sex-specific growth assessment, not adult BMI cut-offs.
How do I assess accuracy?
Observe usual weight trends and discuss growth or pregnancy needs with a qualified professional. An equation is a population estimate.