Schofield Equation Calculator (WHO BMR for Children and Adults)
Estimate basal metabolic rate with the Schofield (WHO/FAO/UNU 1985) equations for children and adults by age band and sex, plus daily energy needs from your PAL.
How it works
BMR (kcal/day) = a × weight (kg) + b, with a and b by sex and age band — e.g. men 18–30 y: 15.3W + 679; women 18–30 y: 14.7W + 496; men 30–60 y: 11.6W + 879; women 30–60 y: 8.7W + 829 · daily energy = BMR × PAL
Schofield compiled about 11,000 basal metabolic rate measurements and fitted weight-based equations for six age bands in each sex; the WHO/FAO/UNU expert consultation adopted them in 1985, and the 2004 FAO/WHO/UNU report still uses them to set energy requirements. They are widely used in dietetics in the UK, Australia, Latin America and in paediatrics because they cover infants to older adults with weight alone. Multiplying by the physical activity level (PAL) gives total daily energy expenditure.
Worked example
A 25-year-old man weighing 72 kg falls in the 18–30 band: BMR = 15.3 × 72 + 679 = 1,101.6 + 679 = 1,781 kcal/day (7.45 MJ). With a sedentary or light PAL of 1.55: about 2,760 kcal/day.
Sources: Schofield WN (1985) Predicting basal metabolic rate, new standards and review of previous work. Hum Nutr Clin Nutr 39 Suppl 1:5–41 · FAO/WHO/UNU (2004) Human energy requirements
Frequently asked questions
What is the Schofield equation?
It is a set of equations that predict basal metabolic rate from body weight for each sex and age band, published by W. N. Schofield in 1985 and adopted by the WHO. They are the standard BMR equations for children in many countries.
Is Schofield accurate for adults?
It is reasonable for healthy adults of normal weight but tends to overestimate BMR in some populations, including people from tropical regions and those with obesity, by up to 10%. Oxford (Henry) and Mifflin-St Jeor equations are alternatives for adults.
Which PAL should I choose?
FAO/WHO/UNU groups lifestyles as sedentary or light (PAL 1.40–1.69, e.g. office work with little exercise), active or moderately active (1.70–1.99) and vigorous (2.00–2.40, e.g. heavy manual work or daily hard training).
Can I use it for a child?
Yes — Schofield has bands for 0–3, 3–10 and 10–18 years. Children also need extra energy for growth, which is built into dietary reference values, so use a paediatric dietitian’s guidance for feeding plans.
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This calculator gives general nutrition estimates and is not medical advice. Energy and nutrient needs vary between people; children, pregnant people and anyone with a medical condition should follow a doctor or registered dietitian.