What is BMR?
BMR, or basal metabolic rate, is the energy your body uses at complete rest just to keep you alive. For most people it is the largest part of daily calorie use.
Quick facts
| Stands for | Basal metabolic rate |
|---|---|
| Depends on | Weight, height, age and sex |
| Common formula | Mifflin-St Jeor equation |
TDEE calculator
Your TDEE (total daily energy expenditure) is how many calories you burn in a day.
Try a sample:
What does it mean?
BMR covers breathing, circulation and keeping your organs working. It doesn't include walking around, exercise or digesting food.
Calculators estimate BMR with a formula, usually Mifflin-St Jeor. A lab test is more precise but rarely needed.
How does it show up when you order food?
BMR is the base of your daily calorie target. Add activity and you get your TDEE, which tells you how much room a takeout meal takes up.