Active Minutes to Calories Calculator
Convert minutes of exercise at any intensity into calories burned using MET values and your body weight.
How it works
kcal/min = MET × 3.5 × weight(kg) ÷ 200 · Calories = kcal/min × minutes
A MET (metabolic equivalent) is the ratio of an activity’s energy cost to sitting quietly, where 1 MET is roughly 3.5 ml of oxygen per kg per minute. Multiplying MET by weight and the standard 3.5/200 factor converts oxygen use into calories, so heavier bodies and harder efforts both burn more. Use the closest intensity band; published MET tables cover hundreds of specific activities.
Worked example
A 70 kg person doing 30 minutes of vigorous exercise at MET 6 burns (6 × 3.5 × 70 ÷ 200) = 7.35 kcal/min, or about 221 kcal over the session.
Frequently asked questions
What is a MET value?
A MET expresses how hard an activity is relative to rest. Sitting is 1 MET, a brisk walk about 4.5, and running roughly 8–12. Choosing the band that matches your effort is the biggest driver of accuracy.
Does this include my resting calories?
The MET formula counts total energy during the activity, including the roughly 1 MET you would burn just sitting. To isolate the extra cost of exercising, subtract about one-sixth of the total, or use a net-MET table.
Why does weight change the result?
Energy cost scales with body mass, so a heavier person moving at the same intensity uses more calories per minute. That is why the formula multiplies MET by your weight in kilograms.
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Educational estimate only, not medical advice. Individual physiology varies — consult a qualified professional before changing your training or health routine.