How sex enters the equation
In Mifflin-St Jeor, the women’s version subtracts 161 at the end where the men’s adds 5. For two people with the same height, weight and age, that is a difference of 166 calories a day in BMR, before the activity multiplier. The gap reflects average differences in body composition: at the same weight, women on average carry a higher proportion of fat tissue, which uses less energy than lean tissue.
Averages don’t describe every body. If you know your body-fat percentage, add it and the calculator will switch to Katch-McArdle, which works from lean mass and uses the same equation regardless of sex.
What moves the estimate most
Starting from a 35-year-old woman, 5′4″, 160 lb, at the selected activity level (TDEE about 1,933 calories):
| Change | Calories/day |
|---|---|
| 10 lb more body weight | +62 |
| 2 inches taller | +44 |
| 10 years older | −69 |
| One activity level higher | +246 |
Activity usually matters more than a few pounds or years. If you are deciding between two activity levels, the activity level calculator can help you choose.
Situations where a calculator isn’t enough
These equations were developed in healthy, non-pregnant adults. During pregnancy or breastfeeding, with thyroid or other hormonal conditions, after bariatric surgery, or if you are recovering from an eating disorder, please use a professional’s guidance rather than a calculator. If you’d like reference numbers for a specific weight, see the tables for women from 110 lb to 200 lb.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a separate TDEE formula for women?
The Mifflin-St Jeor and Harris-Benedict equations have a women’s version with different constants. Katch-McArdle uses the same formula for everyone because it works from lean body mass. This page simply starts with Female selected.
Does the menstrual cycle change TDEE?
Some studies report a small rise in resting energy use in the second half of the cycle, but the change is modest and varies between people. Water retention can also move the scale. Looking at weight averages over a few weeks smooths both out.
Can I use this during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Not reliably. Energy needs change during pregnancy and breastfeeding in ways these equations don’t account for. A doctor, midwife or registered dietitian can advise on what is right for you.
Does TDEE drop after menopause?
The equations lower the estimate gradually with age at any life stage. Around menopause, many women also see changes in body composition. Recalculating with your current weight, and a body-fat % if you have one, keeps the estimate current.