Free fitness tool

Calories burned calculator

Estimate how many calories a session may burn and compare it against a daily deficit goal.

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Use the Calories burned

Pick an activity, duration, and body weight for a quick estimate.

How this Calories burned works

This calculator uses MET values (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) to estimate how many calories a session burns, then compares that burn to an optional daily deficit target so you can see how much of your goal one session covers.

Calculation method

Calories burned = MET × body-weight (kg) × duration (hours). Each activity has its own published MET estimate. If you enter a deficit target, the result shows the percentage of that target covered by this session.

Real-life uses

  • Deciding whether to "earn" a treat calorie-wise
  • Comparing 30 minutes of running versus cycling
  • Sanity-checking calories reported by a fitness watch
  • Planning weekly cardio volume around a deficit target

Frequently asked questions

Are MET values accurate?

They are a reasonable average. Real-world burn varies with intensity, efficiency, fitness level and terrain.

Should I eat back calories burned?

If you are already in a deliberate deficit, eating back 100% is usually unnecessary. Many coaches suggest 0–50%.

Why does strength training burn less than cardio?

During the session, yes — but strength training has lasting effects on metabolism and body composition that calorie burn alone does not capture.

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