Our Mission
Everyone deserves access to accurate, science-backed tools for managing their health. TDEE Lab was created to replace the unreliable, ad-heavy calculators cluttering the internet with clean, fast, and trustworthy alternatives.
Every formula we use is drawn from peer-reviewed research. Every feature is designed to give you actionable numbers — not vague guesswork.
Why We Built TDEE Lab
Finding your calorie needs shouldn't require wading through pop-ups, misleading claims, or outdated formulas. We built TDEE Lab to solve three problems:
- Inaccuracy: Many online calculators use proprietary or outdated formulas. We use the Mifflin-St Jeor and Katch-McArdle equations — the same ones endorsed by the American Dietetic Association.
- Complexity: Nutrition science can be confusing. We present your results in plain language with clear calorie goals, macro splits, and BMI context.
- Cost: Every calculator on TDEE Lab is completely free. No subscriptions, no paywalls, no hidden fees.
Our Calculator Methodology
Every TDEE Lab calculator follows a transparent, reproducible process:
- BMR Calculation: We estimate your Basal Metabolic Rate using either the Mifflin-St Jeor equation (general population) or Katch-McArdle (known body fat percentage).
- Activity Multiplier: Your BMR is multiplied by an activity factor (1.2–1.9) based on your self-reported exercise frequency.
- TDEE Output: The result is your Total Daily Energy Expenditure — the number of calories you burn per day.
- Goal Targets: From your TDEE, we calculate calorie goals for maintenance, weight loss, and muscle gain at different rates.
Our source code is built with Astro and is available for review. We believe transparency builds trust.
Our Commitment to Accuracy
No calculator can replace professional medical advice, but accuracy still matters. We continuously validate our formulas against published research and update our tools when new evidence emerges.
If you ever find an error in our calculations, please contact us. We take correctness seriously and respond to reports within 24 hours.
What We Offer
- TDEE Calculator — Estimate your daily calorie needs with macro splits and BMI
- What is TDEE — Plain-language guide to Total Daily Energy Expenditure
- BMR vs TDEE — Side-by-side comparison of the two key metrics
Get in Touch
Have questions, feedback, or want to report an issue? Visit our contact page — we read every message and typically respond within 24 hours.