Daily Calorie Intake Calculator
This calculator estimates daily calorie needs using multiple peer-accepted formulas (Mifflin–St Jeor, revised Harris–Benedict, and Katch–McArdle). Select the method that best fits your available data and preferences.
Use age, sex, weight, height, activity level, and an adjustable goal (maintain, deficit, or surplus). Optional body fat percentage lets the Katch–McArdle method compute energy needs from lean mass.
Governance
Record 6fd0c422a747 • Reviewed by Fidamen Standards Committee
Baseline metabolic rate using the Mifflin–St Jeor equation, then scaled by activity factor and adjusted for weight-change goal.
Inputs
Results
Estimated TDEE
1,742
Daily calories for selected goal
1,742
| Output | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated TDEE | 1,742 | kcal |
| Daily calories for selected goal | 1,742 | kcal |
Visualization
Methodology
Equations implemented are standard published formulas for basal metabolic rate (BMR). BMR is multiplied by an activity factor to produce Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE). The final recommendation applies a goal adjustment (percentage deficit or surplus).
We follow software and quality guidance to help ensure reliability: validate inputs, enforce reasonable min/max ranges, and flag missing required values for each method. See citations for standards on software validation and medical device/software quality.
F.A.Q.
Which method should I choose?
If you know your body fat percentage, Katch–McArdle can be more personalized. Mifflin–St Jeor is recommended for general population estimates. Harris–Benedict is an acceptable alternative. All are estimates and should be combined with monitoring.
How accurate are these numbers?
These are population-level estimates and can vary per individual by ±10–20% or more. Use them as starting points, then track weight and composition changes and adjust. See accuracy and standards notes in citations.
Can I use this if I have a medical condition?
This tool does not replace medical or dietetic advice. Consult a healthcare professional for conditions that affect metabolism, such as thyroid disorders, recent surgery, or pregnancy.
Why enforce input ranges?
Input range checks reduce the risk of nonsensical outputs and help meet basic software safety and usability expectations as recommended by engineering standards.
Sources & citations
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) — Software and Systems Validation Guidance — https://www.nist.gov
- International Organization for Standardization (ISO) — Quality and safety standards for health software — https://www.iso.org
- IEEE — Standards for software engineering and system safety best-practices — https://www.ieee.org
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) — Guidance on safety and human-factors considerations — https://www.osha.gov
- CDC — Body Mass Index (BMI) Categories — https://www.cdc.gov/bmi/adult-calculator/bmi-categories.html
- NIH — National Institutes of Health Metabolic Research — https://www.nih.gov/
- ACSM — American College of Sports Medicine Guidelines — https://www.acsm.org/
- PubMed — Mifflin-St Jeor Equation (PMID: 2305711) — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2305711/
Further resources
Versioning & Change Control
Audit record (versions, QA runs, reviewer sign-off, and evidence).
Record ID: 6fd0c422a747What changed (latest)
v1.0.0 • 2025-11-08 • MINOR
Initial publication and governance baseline.
Why: Published with reviewed formulas, unit definitions, and UX controls.
Public QA status
PASS — golden 25 + edge 120
Last run: 2026-01-23 • Run: golden-edge-2026-01-23
Versioning & Change Control
Audit record (versions, QA runs, reviewer sign-off, and evidence).
What changed (latest)
v1.0.0 • 2025-11-08 • MINOR
Initial publication and governance baseline.
Why: Published with reviewed formulas, unit definitions, and UX controls.
Public QA status
PASS — golden 25 + edge 120
Last run: 2026-01-23 • Run: golden-edge-2026-01-23
Engine
v1.0.0
Data
Baseline (no external datasets)
Content
v1.0.0
UI
v1.0.0
Governance
Last updated: Nov 8, 2025
Reviewed by: Fidamen Standards Committee (Review board)
Credentials: Internal QA
Risk level: low
Reviewer profile (entity)
Fidamen Standards Committee
Review board
Internal QA
Entity ID: https://fidamen.com/reviewers/fidamen-standards-committee#person
Semantic versioning
- MAJOR: Calculation outputs can change for the same inputs (formula, rounding policy, assumptions).
- MINOR: New features or fields that do not change existing outputs for the same inputs.
- PATCH: Bug fixes, copy edits, or accessibility changes that do not change intended outputs except for previously incorrect cases.
Review protocol
- Verify formulas and unit definitions against primary standards or datasets.
- Run golden-case regression suite and edge-case suite.
- Record reviewer sign-off with credentials and scope.
- Document assumptions, limitations, and jurisdiction applicability.
Assumptions & limitations
- Uses exact unit definitions from the Fidamen conversion library.
- Internal calculations use double precision; display rounding follows the unit's configured decimal places.
- Not a substitute for calibrated instruments in regulated contexts.
- Jurisdiction-specific rules may require official guidance.
Change log
v1.0.0 • 2025-11-08 • MINOR
Initial publication and governance baseline.
Why: Published with reviewed formulas, unit definitions, and UX controls.
Areas: engine, content, ui • Reviewer: Fidamen Standards Committee • Entry ID: 4a353ed81877