Enter your height, weight, and age into the calculator to determine your resting energy expenditure (REE).

REE Formula

The following formula is used to calculate a resting energy expenditure (REE):

Males:

REE = RDEE = 66.47 + 13.75 * (W) + 5* (H) - 6.76 * (A)

Females:

REE = RDEE =  65.51 + 9.65 * (W) + 1.84 *(H) - 4.68 (A)
  • Where REE is resting energy expenditure (kcal)
  • W is weight (kg)
  • H is height (cm)
  • A is age (years)

REE Definition

REE stands for resting energy expenditure. It is a measure of the total energy required for a person’s body to function while resting and doing no activities. This term is sometimes referred to as BMR.

REE is also sometimes referred to as RDEE, which stands for resting daily energy expenditure.

Example Problem

How to calculate REE?

  1. First, determine your height.

    For this example, the person is measured to be 182.88 cm.

  2. Next, determine your weight.

    This person’s weight is measured to be 70kg.

  3. Next, determine your age.

    The person in this example is 20 years old.

  4. Finally, calculate the REE.

    Using the formula above, the resting energy expenditure is found to be:
    REE = 66.47 + 13.75 * (W) + 5* (H) – 6.76 * (A)
    REE = 66.47 + 13.75 * (70) + 5* (182.88) – 6.76 * (20)
    REE = 1808.17 kcal.

FAQ

What factors can affect my Resting Energy Expenditure (REE)?

Several factors can influence your REE, including age, gender, weight, height, body composition, and hormonal balance. Generally, muscle mass increases REE, while fat mass has a lower metabolic rate. Hormonal changes and certain health conditions can also impact REE.

How often should I recalculate my REE?

It’s advisable to recalculate your REE whenever you experience significant changes in weight, age, or activity level. For most people, recalculating every few months or after achieving a weight loss or gain goal is sufficient to keep dietary plans accurate and effective.

Can improving my REE help with weight loss?

Yes, increasing your REE can aid in weight loss by allowing you to burn more calories at rest. This can be achieved through exercise, particularly strength training, which builds muscle mass. Since muscle tissue burns more calories than fat tissue, even at rest, enhancing your muscle mass can lead to a higher REE.