BMR Calculator 2024

Calculate your Basal Metabolic Rate in kg/cm (India) or lbs/ft (USA). Know how many calories you burn at rest.

BMR Calculator

Metric (kg/cm)
Imperial (lbs/ft)

What is Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)?

Your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is the number of calories your body needs to maintain basic physiological functions at complete rest, including breathing, circulation, and cell production. It accounts for about 60-70% of your total daily energy expenditure.

Harris-Benedict Equation:

For Men: BMR = 88.362 + (13.397 × weight in kg) + (4.799 × height in cm) - (5.677 × age in years)

For Women: BMR = 447.593 + (9.247 × weight in kg) + (3.098 × height in cm) - (4.330 × age in years)

Why Knowing Your BMR Matters

Understanding your BMR is essential for:

BMR Differences: India vs USA

While BMR calculations are universal, lifestyle factors differ:

Factor Indian Context US Context
Average BMR ~1500 kcal (urban sedentary) ~1700 kcal (urban sedentary)
Diet Impact Higher carb intake may affect metabolism Higher protein intake may increase BMR
Physical Activity More walking in daily life More structured exercise

Note for Indians: Traditional diets rich in spices like turmeric and ginger may slightly increase metabolic rate compared to Western diets.

How to Increase Your BMR

Boost your metabolism naturally with these science-backed methods:

For Indian Lifestyle

For Western Lifestyle

BMR vs TDEE: What's the Difference?

While BMR measures calories at rest, Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) includes all activities:

Component % of TDEE Description
BMR 60-70% Calories burned at complete rest
NEAT 15-25% Non-exercise activity (fidgeting, standing)
Exercise 10-15% Structured workouts
TEF 5-10% Thermic effect of food (digestion)

Activity Multipliers:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is my BMR lower than my friend's?

A: BMR varies based on body composition (muscle burns more than fat), age, gender, and genetics. Men typically have higher BMR than women due to more muscle mass.

Q: Does vegetarian diet affect BMR?

A: Indian vegetarians may have slightly lower BMR due to typically lower protein intake, but this can be offset with adequate dal, paneer, and nuts.

Q: How accurate is the Harris-Benedict equation?

A: It's about 70% accurate for most people. For precise measurement, consider metabolic testing at a clinic.

Q: Can I increase my BMR permanently?

A: Yes, through muscle gain (each pound of muscle burns ~6 kcal/day at rest) and improving thyroid function if deficient.

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