Cycling Calorie Burn Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the cycling calorie burn calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

Use the Cycling Calorie Burn Calculator

Formulas Used

Calories Burned

calories_burned = met_value * 3.5 * weight_kg / 200 * duration_min

Calories per Minute

cal_per_minute = met_value * 3.5 * weight_kg / 200

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
weight_lbsBody Weight(lbs)170
met_valueCycling Intensity6.8
duration_minDuration(minutes)60
weight_kgDerived value= weight_lbs * 0.453592calculated

How It Works

Cycling Calorie Burn (MET Method)

Calories = MET x 3.5 x Weight(kg) / 200 x Duration(min)

Cycling MET Values

| Intensity | Speed | MET | |---|---|---| | Leisure | <10 mph | 3.5 | | Moderate | 12-14 mph | 6.8 | | Vigorous | 14-16 mph | 8.0 | | Racing | 16-19 mph | 10.0 | | Fast racing | >20 mph | 12.0 |

Worked Example

A 170 lb person cycling at moderate intensity for 60 minutes.

weight_lbs = 170met_value = 6.8duration_min = 60
  1. 01Weight = 170 x 0.4536 = 77.1 kg
  2. 02Calories = 6.8 x 3.5 x 77.1 / 200 x 60
  3. 03= 6.8 x 3.5 x 77.1 / 200 x 60 = 551 kcal

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