Calories Burned Calculator

Estimate calories burned during exercise using MET values and your body weight

Health
Fitness
Exercise

Activity Reference (MET Values)

Walking

Walking, slow (2 mph)2.5 MET
Walking, moderate (3 mph)3.5 MET
Walking, brisk (4 mph)5 MET
Walking, very brisk (4.5 mph)6.3 MET

Running

Running, 5 mph (12 min/mile)8.3 MET
Running, 6 mph (10 min/mile)9.8 MET
Running, 7.5 mph (8 min/mile)11.5 MET
Running, 10 mph (6 min/mile)14.5 MET

Cycling

Cycling, leisure (5.5 mph)3.5 MET
Cycling, moderate (12–14 mph)8 MET
Cycling, vigorous (16–19 mph)12 MET
Cycling, racing (20+ mph)15.8 MET

Swimming

Swimming, leisurely6 MET
Swimming, moderate laps8.3 MET
Swimming, vigorous laps10 MET
Swimming, crawl/freestyle fast11 MET

Strength & Gym

Weightlifting, light effort3 MET
Weightlifting, vigorous6 MET
Bodyweight exercises, moderate3.8 MET
Circuit training, vigorous8 MET

Cardio & HIIT

Elliptical trainer, moderate5 MET
Jumping rope, moderate11.8 MET
Jumping rope, fast12.3 MET
Rowing, moderate effort7 MET
Rowing, vigorous effort8.5 MET
Stair climbing, moderate8 MET
HIIT / High intensity intervals8 MET

Mind-Body & Outdoors

Yoga, Hatha2.5 MET
Yoga, Power / Vinyasa4 MET
Pilates3 MET
Hiking, moderate6 MET
Dancing, moderate4.5 MET
Dancing, vigorous7 MET
Gardening, moderate3.8 MET
House cleaning, vigorous3.8 MET

About This Tool

This Calories Burned Calculator estimates your energy expenditure using the widely recognized MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) formula: Calories = MET × weight(kg) × time(hours). MET values are sourced from the Compendium of Physical Activities and represent the energy cost of each exercise relative to resting metabolism.

The calculator covers 30+ activities across walking, running, cycling, swimming, strength training, HIIT, yoga, and more — making it useful for any workout routine. For a complete nutrition strategy, pair this with our Macronutrient Calculator and Protein Intake Calculator. To monitor body composition changes over time, use the Body Fat Percentage Calculator.

For a true estimate of how much water your body needs during exercise, check our Water Intake Calculator.

All processing happens entirely in your browser — no personal data is sent to any server.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a MET value?
MET stands for Metabolic Equivalent of Task. 1 MET is the energy you burn at rest. An activity rated at 5 MET means you burn 5 times more energy than you would at rest. MET values are based on the Compendium of Physical Activities and are widely used in fitness science.
How accurate is the calories burned estimate?
The estimate is a good approximation for most people, but individual results vary based on factors like body composition, fitness level, age, and exercise intensity. For a more comprehensive nutrition approach, check our Macronutrient Calculator to balance your diet with your activity level.
Why does body weight affect calories burned?
A heavier body requires more energy to move. The formula Calories = MET × weight(kg) × time(hours) reflects this: the more you weigh, the more calories you burn performing the same activity for the same duration. This is also why tracking your Body Fat Percentage over time can help you understand changes in your metabolism.
How do I use this with my fitness goals?
Use the calories burned estimate to balance your energy intake and expenditure. For muscle building, pair this with our Protein Intake Calculator to ensure adequate protein. For weight loss, aim for a deficit of 500 calories per day for about 0.5 kg/week loss. Staying hydrated is also critical — see our Water Intake Calculator for daily hydration targets.
Is my data stored or sent anywhere?
No. All calculations run entirely in your browser. No weight, activity, or health data is ever sent to any server, stored, or shared. This tool is completely privacy-focused.
Can I use imperial units (pounds)?
Yes, toggle the unit selector to Imperial (lb). The calculator automatically converts pounds to kilograms for the MET formula, so the result is equally accurate regardless of your unit choice.