Key Takeaway: BMR is your energy burn at total rest in bed (vital organs only). TDEE is your real-world calorie burn including walking, working, digestion, and workouts. Always base your deficit on your TDEE, not your BMR.
BMR vs TDEE Breakdown
| Metric | Definition | Formula Basis | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMR | Resting coma-level energy burn | Mifflin-St Jeor / Katch-McArdle | 1,300 – 1,900 kcal |
| TDEE | Total daily energy expenditure | BMR × Activity Multiplier | 1,800 – 3,200 kcal |
Calculate both metrics using our BMR Calculator and TDEE Calculator.
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Scientific References & Clinical Studies
- A new predictive equation for resting energy expenditure in healthy individuals — Am J Clin Nutr, 1990
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