Harris-Benedict BMR Calculator

Calculate your Basal Metabolic Rate using the original Harris-Benedict equation.

Harris-Benedict BMR1854 kcal/day
Mifflin-St Jeor BMR (Comparison)1780 kcal/day

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The Legacy of Harris-Benedict

Created in 1919, the Harris-Benedict equation was the first widely adopted scientific formula for estimating human Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR). It paved the way for modern sports nutrition.

The Formula

The calculation uses your sex, age, weight, and height to estimate the number of calories your body burns at absolute rest:

  • Men: BMR = 88.362 + (13.397 x weight in kg) + (4.799 x height in cm) - (5.677 x age)
  • Women: BMR = 447.593 + (9.247 x weight in kg) + (3.098 x height in cm) - (4.330 x age)

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I use this or Mifflin-St Jeor?

Modern dietitians heavily favor the Mifflin-St Jeor equation. Because the Harris-Benedict equation was developed over a century ago, it tends to overestimate the metabolic rate of modern, more sedentary individuals by about 5%.