Short answer
The Mifflin-St Jeor equation estimates BMR as 10 x weight (kg) + 6.25 x height (cm) - 5 x age, plus 5 for men or minus 161 for women. A 28-year-old woman of 65 kg and 165 cm gets 1,380 kcal a day; a 35-year-old man of 80 kg and 180 cm gets 1,755.
1. The equation
- Men: 10W + 6.25H − 5A + 5
- Women: 10W + 6.25H − 5A − 161
W is weight in kilograms, H is height in centimetres and A is age in years. For pounds divide by 2.2046; for inches multiply by 2.54.
2. Example 1: woman, 28, 65 kg, 165 cm
650 + 1,031.25 − 140 − 161 = 1,380 kcal a day at rest.
3. Example 2: man, 35, 80 kg, 180 cm
800 + 1,125 − 175 + 5 = 1,755 kcal a day.
4. What to do with it
- Multiply by an activity factor to estimate daily needs: 1,755 × 1.2 is about 2,106 and × 1.55 about 2,720.
- See BMR vs TDEE and how to calculate TDEE.
5. Limits
It is a prediction for the general adult population. Muscle mass, genetics and hormones can move your real figure up or down.
Try your numbers in the BMR Calculator. Compare with Harris-Benedict.
6. Frequently asked questions
What is the Mifflin-St Jeor equation?expand_more
A predictive equation for resting energy expenditure published in 1990: 10W + 6.25H - 5A, then +5 for men or -161 for women.
Is Mifflin-St Jeor accurate?expand_more
It is widely used and considered one of the better general-population formulas, but individual metabolism can still differ noticeably.
How do I use it with pounds and inches?expand_more
Divide pounds by 2.2046 and multiply inches by 2.54 first.
What is a BMR of 1,380 kcal?expand_more
The calories burned at complete rest by a 28-year-old woman of 65 kg and 165 cm.