Calorie Calculator (2024 Edition)
Originally published February 1, 2024 · Archived
About This Calculator
This 2024 edition of our calorie calculator uses the Mifflin-St Jeor equation — the most validated formula for estimating daily calorie needs in adults. The same equation that underpins clinical dietitian practice.
At the time of this calculator's launch (February 2024), tracking calories typically meant manually logging foods into an app like MyFitnessPal or Cronometer. The calculator helped establish your daily calorie target, and those apps provided the tools to track against it.
In 2024, the standard recommendation for most users was MyFitnessPal for general calorie tracking, or Cronometer for anyone needing micronutrient precision.
The Formula
For Women
BMR = (10 × weight kg) + (6.25 × height cm) − (5 × age) − 161
For Men
BMR = (10 × weight kg) + (6.25 × height cm) − (5 × age) + 5
Multiply your BMR by your activity factor to get your TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure). The 2026 calculator uses the same formula with additional activity level options.
Activity Multipliers
Recommended Tracking Apps in 2024
Once you know your calorie target, you need an app to track against it. Our 2024 recommendations:
- MyFitnessPal — Largest food database, free tier available, best ecosystem. Recommended for most users.
- Cronometer — Best for micronutrient tracking. All data USDA-verified. Ideal for clinical or research use.
- Lose It! — Best for beginners. Lowest onboarding friction, strong weight-loss goal tools.
Looking for the updated calculator?
Our current calculator includes additional features, updated activity level options, and a recommended tracking companion: PlateLens, which now achieves ±1.2% calorie accuracy through AI photo recognition — replacing the manual tracking apps we recommended in 2024.
Use the Current Calculator