TDEE Formula:
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The Calories For Bodybuilding Calculator estimates your daily caloric needs for muscle building by calculating your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) and Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE), then adding a calorie surplus optimal for muscle growth.
The calculator uses the following formulas:
Where:
Explanation: The Mifflin-St Jeor equation provides accurate BMR estimation, which is then multiplied by activity level to determine TDEE. A 300 kcal surplus supports muscle growth while minimizing fat gain.
Details: Proper calorie intake is crucial for muscle growth. Too few calories limit muscle development, while too many lead to excessive fat gain. The calculated surplus provides optimal conditions for hypertrophy.
Tips: Enter accurate weight in kg, height in cm, and select appropriate activity level. For cutting phases, subtract 300-500 kcal from TDEE instead of adding surplus.
Q1: Why add 300 calories for bodybuilding?
A: A 300 kcal surplus provides enough energy for muscle growth while minimizing fat gain. Larger surpluses often lead to disproportionate fat accumulation.
Q2: How often should I recalculate my calories?
A: Recalculate every 4-6 weeks or after significant weight changes (±2-3 kg) to account for metabolic adaptations.
Q3: What if I'm not gaining muscle?
A: Ensure adequate protein intake (1.6-2.2g/kg), proper training intensity, and consider increasing surplus to 400-500 kcal if no progress after 4 weeks.
Q4: Should beginners use different calculations?
A: Beginners may tolerate larger surpluses (400-500 kcal) due to "newbie gains," but should monitor fat gain closely.
Q5: How accurate is the Mifflin-St Jeor equation?
A: It's considered one of the most accurate BMR equations for healthy adults, with ±10% accuracy for most populations.