How Calories Burned During Exercise Are Calculated
The number of calories burned during exercise depends on three main factors: body weight, activity intensity, and duration. The most common estimation method uses Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) values — a standardised measure of how much energy an activity requires relative to sitting at rest.
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Formula
Calories Burned Calculator
Estimate calories burned during exercise using MET values.
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Worked Example
Given:
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FAQs
What is a MET value?
MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) measures exercise intensity relative to rest. A MET of 1 equals resting energy expenditure. Walking has a MET of about 3.5, jogging 7, running fast 11–12. Higher MET means more calories burned per minute.
Why do heavier people burn more calories?
Heavier people require more energy to move their body mass. The MET formula includes body weight directly — a 100 kg person burns significantly more calories doing the same activity for the same duration as a 60 kg person.
How accurate are MET-based calorie estimates?
MET estimates are approximations. Actual calorie burn varies based on fitness level, age, muscle composition, and environmental conditions. A heart rate monitor or fitness tracker provides a more personalised estimate, though still not exact.