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 = round(met * weight_kg * duration_hr)

Calories per Hour

calories_per_hour = round(met * weight_kg)

Distance Covered

distance = round(speed_mph * duration_hr * 100) / 100

MET Value

met_display = round(met * 10) / 10

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
weight_lbsBody Weight(lbs)160
speed_mphAverage Speed(mph)14
duration_minDuration(min)60
weight_kgDerived value= weight_lbs * 0.453592calculated
duration_hrDerived value= duration_min / 60calculated
metDerived value= 3.5 + 0.45 * speed_mphcalculated

How It Works

How Cycling Calorie Burn Is Estimated

Formula

Calories = MET x Weight (kg) x Duration (hours)

The MET for cycling depends on intensity/speed. A simplified model:

MET = 3.5 + 0.45 x Speed (mph)

This gives approximately MET 6.8 at 10 mph (leisure) and MET 10.6 at 16 mph (vigorous).

Factors

Actual burn depends on terrain, wind, bike type, and rider efficiency. Hills and headwinds increase calorie burn significantly.

Worked Example

A 160 lb cyclist rides at 14 mph for 60 minutes.

weight_lbs = 160speed_mph = 14duration_min = 60
  1. 01Weight = 160 * 0.4536 = 72.57 kg
  2. 02Duration = 60 / 60 = 1 hour
  3. 03MET = 3.5 + 0.45 * 14 = 9.8
  4. 04Calories = 9.8 * 72.57 * 1 = 711 kcal
  5. 05Distance = 14 * 1 = 14 miles

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cycling or running better for calorie burn?

Per minute, running typically burns more calories. However, cycling allows longer sessions with less joint stress, so total burn can be similar or higher.

How many calories does a 1-hour bike ride burn?

For a 160 lb person: about 400-500 kcal at moderate pace (12-14 mph) and 600-800 kcal at vigorous pace (16-20 mph).

Does indoor cycling burn the same calories?

Indoor cycling can burn comparable calories if intensity is matched. However, lack of wind resistance and coasting means you must pedal continuously.

Ready to run the numbers?

Open Cycling Calorie Burn Calculator