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TDEE Calculator

Estimate your maintenance calories and see practical calorie targets for cutting or lean bulking based on activity level.

Sex

Height

Estimated TDEE
2,763
maintenance calories per day · BMR 1,783
Mild cut
2,513
Moderate cut
2,263
Aggressive cut
2,013
Lean bulk
3,013
Last updated: March 2026Reviewed by CalculWise editorial team
Methodology: Mifflin-St Jeor equation for BMR, multiplied by standard activity factors to estimate total daily energy expenditure.
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Why TDEE matters more than random calorie targets

Most people do not need a magic diet number. They need a realistic maintenance estimate and a sensible adjustment from there. That is what TDEE gives you. It converts your body size and activity level into a practical daily calorie baseline.

Once you know maintenance, the next step is easier. A mild or moderate deficit supports fat loss, while a small surplus supports gradual mass gain. This page shows those reference targets instead of forcing you to calculate them manually.

How to use your TDEE well

  • Use maintenance as your starting point, not your final answer forever.
  • Choose moderate adjustments before aggressive ones when possible.
  • Track bodyweight trends for 2 to 3 weeks before making changes.
  • Pair calorie targets with protein and macro planning for better adherence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is TDEE?

TDEE stands for Total Daily Energy Expenditure. It estimates how many calories you burn in a full day after combining your resting metabolism with normal activity and exercise.

How is TDEE calculated?

TDEE is usually estimated by calculating BMR first and then multiplying that resting calorie number by an activity factor based on how active you are.

Should I eat exactly my TDEE?

If your goal is maintenance, TDEE is the right starting target. For fat loss or muscle gain, most people use a moderate deficit or surplus relative to TDEE and then adjust based on real results over time.

Why is TDEE only an estimate?

Because activity, metabolism, movement, and food intake vary from person to person. TDEE gives a strong starting point, but real-world weight trends should guide later adjustments.