Interactive Tool: How Many Calories Did You Burn?
This tool estimates how many calories are burned during common activities. Calories measure energy—in food and in your body. You use energy all the time, even at rest. In general, the more intense the activity and the longer you do it, the more calories you burn.
Adapted with permission from: Ainsworth BE, Haskell WL, Herrmann SD, Meckes N, Bassett Jr DR, Tudor-Locke C, Greer JL, Vezina J, Whitt-Glover MC, Leon AS. 2011 Compendium of Physical Activities: A second update of codes and MET values. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 2011;43(8):1575–1581.
What do the results mean?
Your results show about how many calories you burn doing an activity. It includes things like cleaning, gardening, skiing, running, or even sitting still. How hard you work (the intensity) plays a role in the calories that you burn. For example, you may choose to do an activity with moderate effort or vigorous effort. This tool can also help spark new ideas for ways to move more, and improve your fitness and health.
What's next?
Start by finding simple ways to move more throughout the day. You don't have to "work out" to be active. Taking short walks, dancing, or using the stairs instead of the elevator all count. What’s key is moving more, more often. That can help you stay healthy and help you burn calories too.
Credits
Current as of: September 24, 2025
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
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All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
