The EER equations were developed from doubly labelled water studies, the gold standard for measuring energy use in free-living people. The physical activity coefficient (PA) reflects how active you are over a typical day.
How to use the EER Calculator
- Sex
- Age
- Weight
- Height
- Physical activity level
- Status
Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.
How it works
Enter sex, age, weight, height and activity level. Children’s equations include energy for growth; pregnancy and breastfeeding add extra energy.
Physical activity coefficients
| Level | Men | Women | Boys 3–18 | Girls 3–18 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedentary | 1.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 |
| Low active | 1.11 | 1.12 | 1.13 | 1.16 |
| Active | 1.25 | 1.27 | 1.26 | 1.31 |
| Very active | 1.48 | 1.45 | 1.42 | 1.56 |
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Sex | Choose one: Male, Female |
| Age | In years |
| Weight | Units: kg, lb, st, g |
| Height | Units: cm, in, m, ft, mm |
| Physical activity level | Choose one: Sedentary, Low active, Active, Very active |
| Status | Choose one: Not pregnant or breastfeeding, Pregnant – 1st trimester, Pregnant – 2nd trimester, Pregnant – 3rd trimester … |
Health note: this calculator is for education and screening only and is not a diagnosis or treatment advice. Discuss your results with a qualified clinician.
Formula
Adults (19+): men 662 − 9.53A + PA(15.91W + 539.6H); women 354 − 6.91A + PA(9.36W + 726H)
Boys 3–18: 88.5 − 61.9A + PA(26.7W + 903H) + 20 (3–8 y) or + 25 (9–18 y)
Girls 3–18: 135.3 − 30.8A + PA(10W + 934H) + 20 or + 25
Pregnancy: +340 (2nd trimester), +452 (3rd); breastfeeding: +330
Worked example
Inputs — Sex: Male; Age: 30 years; Weight: 70 kg; Height: 175 cm; Physical activity level: Low active.
Results — PA coefficient = 1.11; Estimated energy requirement = 2,660 kcal/day; EER in kilojoules = 11,131 kJ/day.
Key terms
- EER
- Estimated energy requirement.
- PA
- Physical activity coefficient.
Frequently asked questions
Is EER the same as TDEE?
Both estimate daily energy needs; EER comes from doubly labelled water data and the IOM equations.
Why is there no extra energy in the first trimester?
Energy needs barely change in early pregnancy.
What does low active mean?
Roughly 30–60 minutes of moderate activity a day on top of daily living.