Calorie Deficit Calculator

Calculate your daily calorie target for weight loss, maintenance, or gain with macro breakdown
i

How Calorie Deficit Works

1

Calculate BMR

Using the Mifflin-St Jeor equation based on weight, height, age, and gender.

2

Multiply by Activity

Your TDEE = BMR × activity factor. This is your maintenance calories.

3

Set Your Deficit

Subtract 500 cal/day to lose ~1 lb/week. A sustainable rate for most people.

The Science

One pound of body fat contains approximately 3,500 calories. A daily deficit of 500 calories creates a weekly deficit of 3,500 calories, resulting in about 1 pound of weight loss per week. This is considered a safe and sustainable rate by most health organizations.

Related Articles