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Calorie Calculator

Calculate your daily calorie needs for weight loss, maintenance, or weight gain based on your personal information and activity level.

Enter Your Information

How to Use This Tool

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Choose your unit system: Select between Metric (kg, cm) or Imperial (lbs, inches)
  2. Enter your age: Input your age in years (15-80 years accepted)
  3. Select your gender: Choose male or female for accurate BMR calculation
  4. Input your weight: Enter your current body weight within the valid ranges
  5. Input your height: Enter your height in the selected unit system
  6. Select activity level: Choose the level that best describes your weekly physical activity
  7. Choose your goal: Select whether you want to lose weight, maintain, or gain weight
  8. Calculate: Click the "Calculate Calories" button to get your personalized results

Activity Level Guide

  • • Sedentary: Desk job, no regular exercise
  • • Lightly Active: Light exercise 1-3 days/week
  • • Moderately Active: Moderate exercise 3-5 days/week
  • • Very Active: Hard exercise 6-7 days/week
  • • Extremely Active: Very hard exercise + physical job

Tips for Accuracy

  • • Use your current weight, not goal weight
  • • Be honest about your activity level
  • • Consider both structured exercise and daily movement
  • • Monitor your progress and adjust as needed
  • • Consult healthcare providers for personalized advice

Understanding Calorie Needs

Your daily calorie needs depend on your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) and activity level. BMR represents the calories your body burns at rest for basic functions, while your Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) includes calories burned through activity.

Weight Management Guidelines

  • Weight Loss: Create a caloric deficit of 250-750 calories per day
  • Weight Maintenance: Eat at your calculated TDEE level
  • Weight Gain: Create a caloric surplus of 250-750 calories per day
  • Monitor progress and adjust intake based on real-world results

Important Considerations

These calculations provide estimates that may vary by 10-20% between individuals. Factors like genetics, muscle mass, metabolic efficiency, and hormonal status can affect actual calorie needs. Start with these recommendations and adjust based on your progress over 2-4 weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate are these calorie calculations?

Our calculations use the Mifflin-St Jeor equation, which is considered one of the most accurate for most people. However, individual results may vary by 10-20% due to factors like genetics, muscle mass, and metabolic efficiency.

Should I eat exactly the calculated calories?

Use the calculated calories as a starting point. Monitor your weight and energy levels for 2-4 weeks, then adjust your intake based on your actual results and how you feel.

What if I have different activity levels on different days?

Choose the activity level that best represents your average weekly activity. If your schedule varies significantly, consider calculating for different activity levels and alternating your calorie intake accordingly.

Can I lose weight faster by eating much less?

Very low-calorie diets (under 1200 calories for women, 1500 for men) can be counterproductive, leading to muscle loss, metabolic slowdown, and nutrient deficiencies. Aim for sustainable, moderate deficits.

Related Calculators

TDEE Calculator

Calculate your Total Daily Energy Expenditure

Macro Calculator

Calculate your optimal macronutrient breakdown

BMI Calculator

Calculate your Body Mass Index