Calculator inputs
Example data table
| Profile | Inputs | Selected method | BMR | TDEE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Female, age 30 | 165 cm, 62 kg, 26% fat, moderate activity | Katch-McArdle | 1,361 kcal/day | 2,109 kcal/day |
| Male, age 40 | 178 cm, no weight, target BMI 23, lightly active | Height-Based Estimate | 1,647 kcal/day | 2,265 kcal/day |
| Male, age 27 | 5 ft 10 in, 180 lb, no body fat, very active | Mifflin-St Jeor | 1,798 kcal/day | 3,101 kcal/day |
Formula used
1) Height-based estimated weight: Estimated weight (kg) = Target BMI × Height in meters².
2) Mifflin-St Jeor: Men = 10W + 6.25H − 5A + 5. Women = 10W + 6.25H − 5A − 161.
3) Harris-Benedict Revised: Men = 88.362 + 13.397W + 4.799H − 5.677A. Women = 447.593 + 9.247W + 3.098H − 4.330A.
4) Katch-McArdle: BMR = 370 + 21.6 × Lean Body Mass. Lean Body Mass = Weight × (1 − Body Fat % ÷ 100).
5) Daily energy need: TDEE = BMR × Activity Factor.
6) Goal adjustment: Goal Calories = TDEE × (1 + Goal Adjustment % ÷ 100).
Height-only estimation is a practical planning method. It becomes more reliable when your target BMI is realistic and your height entry is accurate.
How to use this calculator
- Choose sex and enter age.
- Enter height in centimeters or feet and inches.
- Add weight for a more precise result, or leave it blank.
- Optionally enter body fat to unlock the Katch-McArdle method.
- Pick a formula, or leave it on auto-select.
- Set a target BMI when you want a height-driven estimate.
- Choose activity level and any calorie adjustment goal.
- Press calculate to view BMR, daily needs, method comparisons, and export options.
FAQs
1) What does a BMR by height calculator do?
It estimates resting calorie needs using height plus age, sex, and either actual weight or a weight inferred from target BMI.
2) Can height alone determine BMR accurately?
No. Height helps, but weight, age, sex, and body composition strongly affect metabolism. Height-based mode is best for planning, not diagnosis.
3) Which formula should I choose?
Use auto for convenience. Use Mifflin-St Jeor for common nutrition planning, Harris-Benedict for comparison, and Katch-McArdle when body fat is available.
4) Why is target BMI included?
Target BMI lets the calculator estimate body weight from height when your actual weight is unknown. That makes height-driven BMR estimation possible.
5) What is the difference between BMR and TDEE?
BMR is the energy your body uses at rest. TDEE adds movement and activity, giving a better daily calorie estimate.
6) Should I enter body fat percentage?
Enter it when you know it reasonably well. Body fat enables Katch-McArdle, which can better reflect lean-mass differences.
7) Why does the calculator show several methods?
Different formulas use different assumptions. Showing several methods helps you compare results and judge how sensitive your estimate is.
8) Can I use this result for medical treatment?
No. This tool supports general nutrition planning. Medical nutrition therapy should be guided by a clinician or registered dietitian.