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
| Activity | MET | |---|---| | Walking (slow) | 2.0 | | Walking (brisk) | 3.5 | | Jogging | 7.0 | | Running (fast) | 9.8 | | Cycling | 6.0 | | Swimming | 8.0 |
Worked Example
A 170 lb person jogging (MET 7.0) for 30 minutes.
met = 7weight_lbs = 170duration_minutes = 30
- 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
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