1. What is the Calorie Burn Calculator?

The Calorie Burn Calculator estimates calories burned during physical activity using the Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) formula. It provides an accurate assessment of energy expenditure based on exercise intensity, body weight, and duration.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the MET-based calorie burn equation:

Where:

• \( \text{MET} \) — Metabolic Equivalent of Task (dimensionless)
• \( \text{Weight} \) — Body weight in kilograms (kg)
• \( \text{Time} \) — Exercise duration in minutes (min)
• \( 60 \) — Conversion factor from minutes to hours

Explanation: The MET value represents the energy cost of physical activities. One MET is defined as the energy expenditure while sitting at rest.

3. Importance of Calorie Tracking

Details: Accurate calorie burn estimation is crucial for weight management, fitness planning, and understanding energy balance. It helps in setting appropriate exercise goals and monitoring progress.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter MET value (common activities: walking=3.5, running=8, cycling=7), weight in kilograms, and exercise time in minutes. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are MET values and where can I find them?
A: MET values represent exercise intensity. Common values: sitting=1, walking=3-4, running=8-12, swimming=6-8. Comprehensive MET tables are available in exercise physiology resources.

Q2: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The MET formula provides a good estimate for most people, but individual variations in metabolism, fitness level, and exercise efficiency can affect accuracy.

Q3: Should I use kg or pounds for weight?
A: The calculator requires weight in kilograms. To convert pounds to kg, divide by 2.205.

Q4: Does this include basal metabolic rate?
A: Yes, the calculation includes both exercise energy expenditure and the calories you would burn during that time at rest.

Q5: Can I use this for weight loss planning?
A: Yes, this calculator helps estimate exercise energy expenditure, which is valuable for creating calorie deficit plans for weight loss.