Question 1

What is TDEE?

Accepted Answer

Total Daily Energy Expenditure — BMR plus daily movement, training, and the energy cost of digesting food. It is your estimated maintenance calorie intake.

Question 2

Mifflin-St Jeor or Katch-McArdle?

Accepted Answer

Mifflin-St Jeor is the default and best validated for most people. Enter body fat and we use Katch-McArdle (lean-mass based), which is usually more accurate if you are lean and trained.

Question 3

Why is the lean bulk only about +10%?

Accepted Answer

Muscle is built slowly and fat is gained quickly. A modest surplus with enough protein and training captures most of the muscle with less cleanup later.

Question 4

Can I use stone and feet?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The calculator supports UK-friendly units (stone/pounds and feet/inches) as well as kg and cm.

Question 5

Is this nutrition advice?

Accepted Answer

No. Estimates only. If you have a medical condition or a complicated relationship with food, speak to a professional.

TDEE Calculator

A number you can actually trust.