BEE and Total Energy Expenditure Calculator
Calculate your Basal Energy Expenditure (BEE) and Total Energy Expenditure (TEE) for clinical or fitness planning.
In this article:
What Is Basal Energy Expenditure (BEE)?
Basal Energy Expenditure (BEE) represents the amount of energy your body requires to perform basic life-sustaining functions such as breathing, circulation, and cell production while at rest. It is usually measured in kilocalories (kcal/day) or kilojoules (kJ/day).
This energy measurement assumes the person is awake but at rest, mentally and physically relaxed, in a neutral-temperature room, and has fasted for at least 12 hours.
For most individuals, BEE makes up about 40% to 70% of their Total Energy Expenditure (TEE), depending on lifestyle and physical activity levels.
How to Use This BEE Calculator
To estimate your daily BEE, you’ll need:
- Gender – Biological sex, as energy requirements differ between males and females.
- Age – BEE decreases with age.
- Height – Taller people generally burn more calories.
- Weight – Heavier bodies require more energy for maintenance.
Want to go further? Calculate your Total Energy Expenditure (TEE) by adding:
- Activity Level – Ranges from bedridden to highly active.
- Body Temperature – Higher temperatures may increase calorie needs.
- Stress Factors – Health conditions or trauma can also affect energy expenditure.
Activity Level Multipliers:
| Level | Description | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Bedridden | Sleeping, resting | 1.2 |
| Light/Sedentary | Office work, minimal walking | 1.53 |
| Moderate/Active | Walking, light exercise, moderate manual labor | 1.76 |
| Very Active | Intense physical labor or athletic training | 2.25 |
How to Calculate BEE Manually
We use the Harris-Benedict equation to estimate BEE.
Metric Formula:
- For Women:
BEE = 655.1 + (9.563 × weight in kg) + (1.850 × height in cm) − (4.676 × age) - For Men:
BEE = 66.5 + (13.75 × weight in kg) + (5.003 × height in cm) − (6.775 × age)
Imperial Formula:
- For Women:
BEE = 655.1 + (4.35 × weight in lb) + (4.7 × height in inches) − (4.7 × age) - For Men:
BEE = 66.5 + (6.2 × weight in lb) + (12.7 × height in inches) − (6.76 × age)
Total Energy Expenditure (TEE) Calculator
To get a fuller picture of your daily caloric needs, calculate:
TEE = BEE × Activity × Stress × Temperature
You’ll find your body’s actual energy requirements including lifestyle factors, illness, or elevated temperature. Ideal for fitness planning or clinical use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the difference between energy and metabolism?
Metabolism includes all bodily processes that convert food into energy. BEE is the baseline energy used at rest, reflecting basal metabolism.
What is basal energy?
Basal energy is the minimum amount of energy your body needs to function at rest, including heart rate, breathing, and cell activity.
What factors influence BEE?
- Increases with: muscle mass, male gender, youth, exercise, pregnancy, fever, and stress.
- Decreases with: aging, female gender, low muscle mass, fasting, obesity, and hypothyroidism.
What’s the difference between BEE and TEE?
- BEE: Energy for essential bodily functions at rest.
- TEE: Total daily energy used, including physical activity, stress, and temperature changes.
What units are used for BEE?
- Kilocalories/day (kcal/day)
- Kilojoules/day (kJ/day)
- Joules/day (J/day)
What is a typical BEE?
- Men: ~1600–1800 kcal/day
- Women: ~1400–1600 kcal/day
How do I calculate TEE?
Multiply your calculated BEE by factors for activity, stress, and temperature:
TEE = BEE × activity × stress × temperature
Our BEE calculator helps you understand your body’s basic energy demands and how various factors influence your total caloric needs. Whether you're trying to lose weight, build muscle, or manage a medical condition, knowing your BEE and TEE is the first step to effective planning.
Use it to balance your diet, track progress, or guide patient care. For best results, consult a registered dietitian or medical professional for personalized advice.