Gardening Calorie Calculator Formula

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

Use the Gardening Calorie Calculator

Formulas Used

Calories Burned

calories_burned = met_value * 3.5 * weight_kg / 200 * duration_min

Calories per Hour

cal_per_hour = met_value * 3.5 * weight_kg / 200 * 60

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
weight_lbsBody Weight(lbs)170
met_valueGardening Activity3.8
duration_minDuration(minutes)60
weight_kgDerived value= weight_lbs * 0.453592calculated

How It Works

Gardening Calorie Burn

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

Gardening MET Values

ActivityMET Light weeding2.3 General gardening3.8 Raking4.5 Digging / shoveling5.0 Chopping wood6.0

Gardening provides moderate-intensity exercise along with mental health benefits from time outdoors and nature connection.

Worked Example

A 170 lb person doing general gardening for 60 minutes.

weight_lbs = 170met_value = 3.8duration_min = 60
  1. 01Weight = 77.1 kg
  2. 02Calories = 3.8 x 3.5 x 77.1 / 200 x 60
  3. 03= 308 kcal per hour

Frequently Asked Questions

Is gardening good exercise?

Yes. Gardening is moderate-intensity physical activity that burns 200-400 calories per hour. It improves strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health.

What gardening activities burn the most calories?

Digging, shoveling, chopping wood, and heavy landscaping burn the most. General gardening and raking are moderate. Light weeding is lower intensity.

Does gardening count as exercise?

Absolutely. The CDC counts gardening as moderate-intensity exercise. Thirty minutes of gardening counts toward the recommended 150 minutes of weekly moderate activity.

Ready to run the numbers?

Open Gardening Calorie Calculator