When should I use the Mifflin-St Jeor formula?

Use Mifflin-St Jeor for most general purposes, especially if you're not an athlete and don't know your body fat percentage. It's the recommended formula for weight management programs, clinical settings, and general population estimates. It works well for people of various body types, including those who are overweight or obese.

How does Mifflin-St Jeor differ from Harris-Benedict?

Mifflin-St Jeor generally gives slightly lower BMR estimates than Harris-Benedict (about 5% lower on average). The formulas use different constants and coefficients. Mifflin-St Jeor is more accurate for today's population, while Harris-Benedict tends to overestimate calorie needs, especially in overweight individuals.

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Mifflin-St Jeor Calculator

Calculate your BMR using the most accurate formula for basal metabolic rate

Most Accurate BMR Formula

Modern Equation (2005)

Recommended by Nutritionists

90% Accuracy Rate

Specialized calculator using the Mifflin-St Jeor equation, considered the most accurate BMR formula for the general population. Provides precise metabolic rate estimates.

Limitation: The Mifflin-St Jeor equation is considered the most accurate BMR formula for the general population.

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Calculate your Basal Metabolic Rate with personalized insights and recommendations

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Understanding Mifflin-St Jeor Calculator

About the Mifflin-St Jeor Formula

The Mifflin-St Jeor equation is widely considered the most accurate formula for calculating Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) in the general population. Developed in 2005 by MD Mifflin and ST St Jeor, this formula was created using data from healthy individuals and has been validated as more accurate than the older Harris-Benedict equation. It accounts for age, gender, weight, and height to estimate your resting metabolic rate with approximately 90% accuracy compared to laboratory metabolic testing.

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💡 Why Choose Mifflin-St Jeor?

This formula is recommended by most nutritionists and dietitians because it's more accurate for today's population. It tends to be about 5% more accurate than the Harris-Benedict equation, especially for overweight and obese individuals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mifflin-St Jeor is considered more accurate because it was developed more recently (2005) using data from modern populations. It accounts for changes in body composition and lifestyle that have occurred since the Harris-Benedict equation was developed in 1919. Clinical studies show it has about 90% accuracy compared to metabolic testing.

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Mifflin-St Jeor Formula Details

The mathematical formula and scientific background of the Mifflin-St Jeor equation

Metric:Men: BMR = (10 × weight in kg) + (6.25 × height in cm) - (5 × age in years) + 5 | Women: BMR = (10 × weight in kg) + (6.25 × height in cm) - (5 × age in years) - 161

Imperial:For imperial units: Men: BMR = (10 × weight in kg) + (6.25 × height in cm) - (5 × age in years) + 5 | Women: BMR = (10 × weight in kg) + (6.25 × height in cm) - (5 × age in years) - 161

Formula

Men: BMR = (10 × weight in kg) + (6.25 × height in cm) - (5 × age in years) + 5

Women: BMR = (10 × weight in kg) + (6.25 × height in cm) - (5 × age in years) - 161

Scientific Background

The Mifflin-St Jeor equation was developed in 2005 and published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association. It was created using data from 498 healthy individuals (247 men and 251 women) and was validated as more accurate than the Harris-Benedict equation, especially for obese individuals. The formula has an accuracy rate of approximately 90% compared to indirect calorimetry measurements. It's considered the gold standard for BMR estimation in clinical practice and is recommended by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Sources & review

Mifflin-St Jeor Calculator documents the references behind its formulas and assumptions. Always treat results as educational estimates, not personalized professional advice.

Last reviewed

July 21, 2026

NIH health reference
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management

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