Basal Energy Expenditure (BEE) Calculator
BEE estimates the calories your body expends at complete rest. Enter height, weight, age, and select the appropriate sex to compute your baseline energy needs.
Estimated Basal Energy Expenditure
Daily calories
1442 kcal/day
Calories per hour
60.1 kcal/hour
Inputs converted to metric: Weight 65.0 kg • Height 165.0 cm
How to Use This Calculator
Pick your unit system
Toggle between metric (cm, kg) and imperial (in, lb). The calculator automatically converts imperial entries to metric before applying the formula.
Enter age, weight, and height
Use current, accurate measurements. BEE is sensitive to body size, so base inputs on measured values rather than guesses.
Review the BEE output
BEE represents the calories burned at rest over 24 hours. Nutritionists often multiply BEE by an activity factor to estimate daily energy needs.
Formula
Male BEE = 66.5 + 13.75 × weight(kg) + 5.003 × height(cm) − 6.775 × age
Female BEE = 655.1 + 9.563 × weight(kg) + 1.850 × height(cm) − 4.676 × age
- Formulas derived from the original Harris-Benedict study.
- Body weight and height must be in kilograms and centimeters.
- BEE is similar to BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) and often used interchangeably.
Full Description
Basal Energy Expenditure represents the minimal energy required to sustain vital functions (breathing, circulation, organ activity) while at complete rest in a thermoneutral environment. BEE is a cornerstone of clinical nutrition and sports dietetics, providing the starting point for calculating daily caloric needs.
Practitioners multiply BEE by activity factors or stress factors to estimate total energy expenditure. Remember that BEE is a theoretical baseline—real-world needs fluctuate with movement, illness, and body composition changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between BEE and BMR?
Both describe calories burned at rest. BMR is measured under stricter lab conditions, while BEE is the calculated estimate used in dietetic practice.
How do I turn BEE into daily calorie needs?
Multiply BEE by an activity factor (e.g., 1.2 sedentary, 1.55 moderately active) to estimate total daily energy expenditure.
Can I use this calculator for weight-loss planning?
Use BEE as a baseline, then apply a deficit (e.g., −500 kcal/day) to set weight-loss targets. Consult a registered dietitian for personalization.
Is the Harris-Benedict formula accurate?
It provides a solid estimate but may deviate for very muscular or very lean individuals. Consider modern equations (e.g., Mifflin–St Jeor) if you need alternatives.