# Harris-Benedict BMR Calculator

URL: https://speedycalculator.com/calculators/health/harris-benedict/
Last updated: 2026-10-25

> The Harris-Benedict calculator estimates basal metabolic rate using the revised 1984 Harris-Benedict equation, then applies an activity factor for total daily calories. Compare it with the Mifflin–St Jeor result.

## Inputs

- Sex
- Age (years)
- Weight (kg, lb, g, oz, st)
- Height (cm, m, mm, in, ft)
- Activity level

## Results

- BMR (Harris-Benedict)
- Daily calories (TDEE)
- Mifflin–St Jeor BMR

## Formula

```
Men: BMR = 88.362 + 13.397W + 4.799H − 5.677A
Women: BMR = 447.593 + 9.247W + 3.098H − 4.330A
```

## Explanation

The Harris-Benedict equation dates from 1918 and was revised by Roza and Shizgal in 1984. It is still widely used in clinical nutrition.

### How to use the Harris-Benedict BMR Calculator

- **Sex**
- **Age**
- **Weight**
- **Height**
- **Activity level**

Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.

### How it works

Weight in kilograms, height in centimetres and age in years are entered into the sex-specific equation.

### Inputs explained

FieldWhat to enterSexChoose one: Male, FemaleAgeIn yearsWeightUnits: kg, lb, g, oz, stHeightUnits: cm, m, mm, in, ftActivity levelChoose one: Sedentary, Light (1–3 days/week), Moderate (3–5 days/week), Very active (6–7 days/week) …

### Example values

How the main result changes when **Age** changes and everything else stays at the example values above:

Age (years)BMR (Harris-Benedict) (kcal/day)17.51,84826.251,798351,74943.751,69952.51,649701,550
*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.*

## Worked example

Inputs — Sex: Male; Age: 35 years; Weight: 75 kg; Height: 178 cm; Activity level: Light (1–3 days/week).

Results — **BMR (Harris-Benedict) = 1,749 kcal/day**; Daily calories (TDEE) = 2,404 kcal/day; Mifflin–St Jeor BMR = 1,693 kcal/day.

## Key terms

- **BMR**: Basal metabolic rate, energy used at complete rest.

## FAQ

**Which equation is more accurate?**
Studies generally find Mifflin–St Jeor slightly more accurate for modern adults.

**Why do results differ?**
They were fitted to different populations decades apart.

**What formula does the Harris-Benedict BMR Calculator use?**
Men: BMR = 88.362 + 13.397W + 4.799H − 5.677A.


## Sources

- [Roza AM, Shizgal HM. The Harris Benedict equation reevaluated. Am J Clin Nutr, 1984](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6741850/)