BMI vs BMR vs TDEE
bmi vs bmr vs tdee is three measurements, not one number with three names.
BMI (body mass index) is a screening ratio: weight divided by height squared, read as a weight category.
BMR (basal metabolic rate) is calories at rest. The BMR calculator uses Mifflin-St Jeor as the modern default.
TDEE (total daily energy expenditure) is daily burn: about BMR multiplied by activity.
When to use which
Use BMI to screen a weight category. Use BMR for calories at rest. Use TDEE for daily burn — the energy a normal day costs, movement included.
bmi vs bmr splits a weight-category screen from resting energy. bmr vs tdee splits resting energy from the whole day.
How they relate
BMR leads to TDEE. Estimate calories at rest, then scale by activity. BMI is separate: weight and height only, with no activity and no calorie total.
The calculators run in your browser. No signup, and nothing you type is uploaded.
- BMI calculator — weight category from height and weight.
- BMR calculator — calories at rest.
- TDEE calculator — daily burn from resting energy and activity.
Once you have a TDEE, the macro calculator can split that budget into protein, carbohydrate, and fat.
Disclaimer
These are screening tools, not medical advice. If a number concerns you, talk to a clinician.