# Simple Calorie Intake Calculator

URL: https://speedycalculator.com/calculators/health/simple-calorie-intake/
Last updated: 2026-10-30

> The simple calorie intake calculator gives a quick estimate of daily calories from body weight and activity alone, using the common rule of 13–18 kcal per pound (29–40 kcal per kg) of body weight.

## Inputs

- Weight (kg, lb, st, g)
- Activity level

## Results

- Daily calories to maintain
- Daily calories to lose ~0.5 kg (1 lb) a week
- Daily calories to gain ~0.25 kg a week

## Formula

```
Calories = weight (lb) × factor
Sedentary 13 · lightly active 14 · moderately active 15 · active 16.5 · very active 18
```

## Explanation

When you just want a ballpark number, multiplying weight by an activity factor is surprisingly close to the full equations for most adults of average build.

### How to use the Simple Calorie Intake Calculator

- **Weight**
- **Activity level**

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

### How it works

Enter your weight and pick your activity level. Subtract about 500 kcal from the result to lose about 1 lb (0.45 kg) a week.

### Inputs explained

FieldWhat to enterWeightUnits: kg, lb, st, gActivity levelChoose one: Sedentary (13 kcal/lb), Lightly active (14 kcal/lb), Moderately active (15 kcal/lb), Active (16.5 kcal/lb) …

### What each result means

- **Daily calories to maintain** = [Weight]÷0.45359237×[Activity level]
- **Daily calories to lose ~0.5 kg (1 lb) a week** = [Daily calories to maintain] - 500
- **Daily calories to gain ~0.25 kg a week** = [Daily calories to maintain] + 250

### Example values

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

Weight (kg)Daily calories to maintain (kcal/day)37.51,24056.251,860752,48093.753,100112.53,7201504,960
*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 — Weight: 75 kg; Activity level: Moderately active (15 kcal/lb).

Results — **Daily calories to maintain = 2,480 kcal/day**; Daily calories to lose ~0.5 kg (1 lb) a week = 1,980 kcal/day; Daily calories to gain ~0.25 kg a week = 2,730 kcal/day.

## Key terms

- **kcal/lb**: Calories per pound of body weight.

## FAQ

**Is this as accurate as BMR equations?**
It is less precise because it ignores age, height and sex, but it is a useful quick check.

**Why does weight drive calories?**
Bigger bodies need more energy to function and move.

**Can I use goal weight instead?**
Using goal weight gives a lower, more conservative target.


## Sources

- [NIH – Body Weight Planner](https://www.niddk.nih.gov/bwp)