Calorie Calculator (US Units)
Use this free USA calorie calculator to estimate how many calories you need each day to lose weight, maintain your current weight, or gain weight. Enter your age, gender, weight, height, and activity level using familiar US units like pounds, feet, and inches.
Calculate Your Daily Calorie Needs
How to Use This Calorie Calculator
- Enter your age and select your gender.
- Enter your weight in pounds and height in feet and inches.
- Select your typical daily activity level.
- Choose your goal: lose, maintain, or gain weight.
- Click “Calculate Calories” to see your daily calorie targets and macro breakdown.
What Does This Calorie Calculator Do?
This calorie calculator estimates your daily calorie needs using the Mifflin-St Jeor equation, which is one of the most commonly used formulas for Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR). It then multiplies your BMR by an activity factor to estimate your Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE).
After that, it applies a calorie deficit or surplus based on your goal so you can see how many calories to eat each day to lose weight, maintain your current weight, or gain weight in a healthy way.
Example Daily Calorie Needs
Here are some example calorie estimates for adults in the USA (values are approximate and depend on body composition and activity level):
| Profile | Weight / Height | Activity | Maintain (kcal/day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Female, 30 yrs | 150 lbs, 5'5" | Lightly active | ~2,000 |
| Male, 35 yrs | 180 lbs, 5'10" | Moderately active | ~2,600 |
| Female, 45 yrs | 140 lbs, 5'4" | Sedentary | ~1,700 |
| Male, 25 yrs | 200 lbs, 6'0" | Very active | ~3,100 |
Use the calculator above to get a personalized calorie target tailored to your own body and lifestyle.
Limitations of Calorie Calculators
All calorie calculators, including this one, provide estimates based on population averages. They do not account for every factor such as:
- Very high muscle mass (athletes, bodybuilders)
- Hormonal conditions or medical issues
- Extremely low or high body fat levels
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Always use these numbers as a starting point and talk with your doctor or a registered dietitian before making major changes to your diet or exercise routine.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is this calorie calculator for USA users?
Yes. This calculator uses US units like pounds, feet, and inches, and is designed for adults living in the United States.
How accurate are the calorie estimates?
The calculator uses the Mifflin-St Jeor formula, which is widely considered one of the most accurate BMR equations. However, all results are estimates and can vary from person to person.
How many calories should I eat to lose 1 pound per week?
Losing about 1 pound per week usually requires a calorie deficit of roughly 500 calories per day below your maintenance level. The calculator can show this target for you automatically.
Is my information saved on this website?
No. All calculations happen in your browser. Your age, weight, height, and results are not stored or sent to a server.