How Many Calories Do You Need Per Day? Complete Calculator Guide
Published: 2026-05-12 · 7 min read
Your daily calorie needs depend on multiple factors. Learn how to calculate your Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) and use it for weight management.
Understanding Your Daily Calorie Needs
Your body burns calories 24/7 — even while sleeping. The total number of calories you burn in a day is called your Total Daily Energy Expenditure TDEE. Understanding this number is the foundation of any weight management plan.
How TDEE Is Calculated
TDEE = BMR × Activity Multiplier
Step 1: Calculate BMR Basal Metabolic Rate
Using the Mifflin-St Jeor equation most accurate:
- Men: BMR = 10 × weight in kg + 6.25 × height in cm − 5 × age + 5
- Women: B...
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