Katch-McArdle Calculator
Enhanced BMR Calculator
Calculate your Basal Metabolic Rate with personalized insights and recommendations
Most accurate for most people
This determines your Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE)
About the Katch-McArdle Formula
The Katch-McArdle formula is a unique approach to calculating Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) that uses lean body mass instead of total body weight. This makes it the most accurate method when body fat percentage is known, as it directly accounts for the metabolic activity of muscle tissue versus fat tissue. Unlike other formulas, Katch-McArdle is gender-neutral because it focuses on body composition rather than gender-based averages. This formula is particularly valuable for athletes, bodybuilders, and anyone with unusual body composition where standard formulas may be less accurate.
Input your weight in kilograms or pounds
💡 Why Body Composition Matters
Muscle tissue is metabolically active and burns more calories at rest than fat tissue. By accounting for body fat percentage, the Katch-McArdle formula can provide more accurate BMR estimates for individuals with atypical body compositions, such as athletes with high muscle mass or elderly individuals with sarcopenia (muscle loss).
Frequently Asked Questions
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The mathematical formula and scientific background of the Katch-McArdle equation
Formula
Scientific Background
The Katch-McArdle formula is based on the principle that metabolic rate is primarily determined by lean body mass (muscle, organs, bones) rather than total body weight. This approach recognizes that muscle tissue is metabolically active (burning approximately 13 calories per kg per day), while fat tissue is relatively metabolically inactive (burning about 4.5 calories per kg per day). The formula was developed based on research showing that lean body mass is the strongest predictor of resting metabolic rate. When body fat percentage is accurately measured, this formula can achieve accuracy rates of 95% or higher compared to metabolic testing, making it the most precise method available for BMR estimation.