BMR vs TDEE vs Calorie Target
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BMR estimates energy used at rest. TDEE estimates total daily expenditure. A calorie target is an intake plan derived from TDEE and a chosen energy change.
The Calorie Deficit Calculator should show these steps separately.
Definitions
| Term | Meaning | Typical calculation |
|---|---|---|
| BMR | Basal metabolic rate under standardized resting conditions | Predictive equation from age, sex, height, weight |
| RMR | Resting metabolic rate under less strict conditions | Measured or predicted; often close to BMR in casual use |
| TDEE | Total daily energy expenditure | Resting estimate × activity factor, or measured/modelled |
| Maintenance calories | Intake estimated to maintain weight | Often treated as TDEE estimate |
| Calorie target | Planned intake | Maintenance plus surplus or minus deficit |
Example
If BMR is estimated at 1,600 kcal/day and the selected activity factor is 1.5, estimated TDEE is 2,400 kcal/day. A 400-kcal planned deficit gives a starting target of 2,000 kcal/day.
Do not subtract the deficit from BMR. BMR is not the same as normal daily expenditure.
Activity-factor uncertainty
Broad categories compress work, steps, training, body size, and individual movement into one multiplier. Treat TDEE as a starting hypothesis and calibrate it with a multi-week trend using How to Recalculate Calories During Weight Loss.
Sources
Evidence and editorial status
Evidence for this package was checked on September 10, 2026. CalculatorGeek should display a named reviewer or professional credential only after that person has completed and documented the review. This material is educational and is not medical diagnosis, treatment, or individualized nutrition advice.
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