Calories Burned Calculator Formula
Understand the math behind the calories burned calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.
Formulas Used
Calories Burned
calories_burned = met * weight_kg * duration_hoursCalories per Minute
calories_per_min = met * weight_kg / 60Variables
| Variable | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
met | MET Value of Activity | 7 |
weight_lbs | Body Weight(lbs) | 170 |
duration_minutes | Duration(minutes) | 30 |
weight_kg | Derived value= weight_lbs * 0.453592 | calculated |
duration_hours | Derived value= duration_minutes / 60 | calculated |
How It Works
MET Calorie Formula
Calories Burned = MET x Weight (kg) x Duration (hours)
MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) measures the energy cost of an activity compared to rest (1 MET = resting).
Common MET Values
Worked Example
A 170 lb person jogging (MET 7.0) for 30 minutes.
- 01Weight in kg = 170 x 0.4536 = 77.1 kg
- 02Duration in hours = 30 / 60 = 0.5 hours
- 03Calories = 7.0 x 77.1 x 0.5 = 270 cal
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a MET?
MET stands for Metabolic Equivalent of Task. It expresses the energy cost of an activity as a multiple of resting metabolic rate. 1 MET equals sitting quietly.
How accurate is MET-based calorie counting?
MET calculations provide good estimates but individual variation exists. Actual calories burned depend on fitness level, body composition, and exercise intensity.
Learn More
Guide
Running Pace Calculator Guide: How to Find and Improve Your Pace
Learn how to calculate running pace, understand pace vs. speed, set race targets, and use pace training to improve your performance at every distance from 5K to marathon.
Ready to run the numbers?
Open Calories Burned Calculator