Estimate how many calories you burn studying from your body weight, study time and study style, or find the study time needed to burn a calorie target.

Estimate from standard MET values; your actual burn varies with body composition.

Typical MET values for each activity. 1 MET is the energy you use sitting at rest.

Starts at 1 hour; change it to your own study time.

Optional settings

Related Calculators

Calories Burned Studying Formula

The calculator uses body weight, study time, and a study factor tied to the type of studying you choose.

C = W × T × F

Variables:

  • C = calories burned
  • W = body weight
  • T = study time in minutes
  • F = study factor

The default General seated study style uses a factor of 0.0107 for pounds and 0.0236 for kilograms. Other study styles change the factor for reading, typing, writing, light lab work, or standing presentation.

How to Calculate Calories Burned Studying

  1. Enter your body weight.
  2. Enter your study time.
  3. Keep General seated study or choose another study style.
  4. Click Calculate to see total calories burned and calories per hour.

Calories Burned Studying Per Hour

Standard seated study calories burned per hour:

Body WeightCalories Burned Per Hour
120 lb77
150 lb96
180 lb116
200 lb129

Study Style Comparison

At 150 lb, calories burned per hour are about:

Study StyleCalories Burned Per Hour
Standard seated study96
Sitting and reading93
Computer work / typing107
Writing / note-taking129
Light lab work143
Standing presentation / teaching164

What Changes Calories Burned While Studying?

  • Body weight: Higher body weight raises calories burned per hour.
  • Study time: Longer sessions raise total calories burned.
  • Study style: Reading and quiet computer work burn less than writing, lab work, or standing.

Example

A person who weighs 150 lb and studies for 2 hours with General seated study burns 192.9 calories.