Swimming works the whole body against water resistance. Butterfly is one of the most demanding sports there is (about 14 METs), while relaxed breaststroke is closer to brisk walking.
How to use the Swimming Calorie Calculator
- Swimming style
- Body weight
- Swim time
Results update as you type, every field has its own unit menu, and everything is calculated in your browser.
How it works
Choose the stroke and intensity, enter your weight and swim time.
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Swimming style | Choose one: Backstroke, intense, Backstroke, recreational, Breaststroke, intense, Breaststroke, recreational … |
| Body weight | Units: kg, lb |
| Swim time | Units: min, h |
What each result means
- Burn rate = ([Swimming style])×3.5×([Body weight])÷200×(1)
- Calories burned = ([Swimming style])×3.5×([Body weight])÷200×([Swim time])
- Per hour = ([Swimming style])×3.5×([Body weight])÷200×(60)
Example values
How the main result changes when Body weight changes and everything else stays at the example values above:
| Body weight (kg) | Calories burned (kcal) |
|---|---|
| 37.5 | 163 |
| 56.25 | 245 |
| 75 | 327 |
| 93.75 | 409 |
| 112.5 | 490 |
| 150 | 654 |
Formula
kcal = MET × 3.5 × weight (kg) ÷ 200 × minutes
Worked example
Inputs — Swimming style: Crawl (freestyle), recreational; Body weight: 75 kg; Swim time: 30 min.
Results — Burn rate = 10.89 kcal/min; Calories burned = 327 kcal; Per hour = 654 kcal/h.
Key terms
- Stroke
- Swimming technique.
Frequently asked questions
Which stroke burns the most calories?
Butterfly, followed by intense breaststroke and crawl.
Does swimming burn more than running?
Hard swimming is comparable to running; easy swimming burns less.
Why do I feel hungry after swimming?
Cool water and full-body effort stimulate appetite.
Is treading water a workout?
Vigorous treading burns almost as much as fast crawl.