- Estimated maintenance energy
- 1,648.75 kcal/day
- Estimated resting energy
- 1,648.75 kcal/day
- Maintenance energy in kilojoules
- 6,898.37 kJ/day
How it works
Compare food labels in matching units
A daily estimate of 2,000 kcal equals 8,368 kJ. A label showing 840 kJ therefore describes about 201 kcal, not 840 kcal. Match both the energy unit and serving size before comparing food amounts.
Understanding a daily calorie estimate
The daily calorie result combines the selected resting-energy method with an activity assumption. An activity setting describes a modeled average rather than measuring everything done during a day. Compare the assumptions before treating a difference between calculators as an error. The estimate is not a personalized meal prescription, and the displayed limitations explain situations where a simple model is less informative.
Daily energy: formula and assumptions
Mifflin–St Jeor: BMR = 10w + 6.25h − 5a + s; s = 5 for male and −161 for female. TDEE = BMR × activity factor.
Weight is in kilograms, height in centimeters, and age in years. This is a population estimate, not a measured metabolic rate.
Food energy conversion: formula and assumptions
1 kilocalorie = 4.184 kilojoules.
A food Calorie with a capital C is one kilocalorie.
Calories, kilocalories & joules: formula and assumptions
1 thermochemical cal = 4.184 J; 1 food Calorie = 1 kcal = 1,000 cal.
Capital-C dietary Calories represent kilocalories. The converter keeps small calories, food Calories and joules clearly distinguished.
Worked example
Using the Daily energy example:
- Sex used by the equation
- Male
- Age (years)
- 30
- Measurement system
- Metric (kg, cm)
- Weight (kg)
- 70
- Height (cm)
- 175
- Energy equation
- Mifflin–St Jeor
- Activity level
- Resting energy only
Mifflin–St Jeor: BMR = 10w + 6.25h − 5a + s; s = 5 for male and −161 for female. TDEE = BMR × activity factor.
Example result
Estimated maintenance energy: 1,648.75 kcal/day
Estimated resting energy: 1,648.75 kcal/day
Maintenance energy in kilojoules: 6,898.37 kJ/day
These are illustrative inputs. Change the values to explore a different scenario.
What to keep in mind
Adult estimates do not apply to pregnancy, breastfeeding, growing children, or individualized medical nutrition care.
Formula references
- Mifflin et al.: resting energy expenditure (opens in a new tab)
- NIST SP 811 Appendix B.8 conversion factors (opens in a new tab)
References explain the underlying methods; they do not imply endorsement or individual professional review of Finflo.
Common questions
Does the displayed calorie estimate prescribe how much I should eat?
No. It is an adult maintenance-energy estimate. Individual needs can differ, and the model excludes pregnancy, breastfeeding and growing children.
What is the difference between a food Calorie and a kilocalorie?
They refer to the same food-energy unit. One kilocalorie equals 4.184 kilojoules.
Prepared by Finflo. See our methodology and editorial policy. Read the relevant professional-advice limitations.