RMR Calculator (Katch-McArdle Formula)

Enter your total body weight and body fat percentage to estimate your Resting Metabolic Rate.

RMR Calculator (Katch-McArdle Formula)

Estimate your Resting Metabolic Rate using the Katch-McArdle formula, based on lean body mass.

This is an estimate for general informational purposes only, not medical advice. It requires a reasonably accurate body fat percentage measurement to be meaningful — consult a healthcare provider or dietitian for personalized guidance.

Unlike formulas that use total body weight, age and sex, the Katch-McArdle formula estimates RMR from lean body mass alone — often considered more accurate for people who know their body fat percentage, especially those who are more muscular or leaner than average.

Example

  • With the default values shown above, this calculator returns: Lean Body Mass (kg) ≈ 60.0; Resting Metabolic Rate (kcal/day) ≈ 1,666.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is this different from BMR calculators using age and sex?

Formulas like Mifflin-St Jeor use total weight, height, age and sex as proxies for body composition; Katch-McArdle instead uses your actual lean body mass directly, which can be more accurate if you know your body fat percentage.

Is RMR the same as calories I should eat?

No — RMR is roughly the energy your body uses at complete rest. Your total daily calorie needs are higher once activity is factored in.

Sources

Scroll to Top