Harris-Benedict basal energy expenditure
Basal energy expenditure with optional activity and stress factors.
Inputs
1 of 5SexUsed by the equation
years
Actual (total) body weight
1.0 for basal only.
×
Patient values are shared with every calculator.
When to use
- Estimating energy needs when indirect calorimetry is not available.
Pearls and pitfalls
- Tends to overestimate in modern populations; Mifflin-St Jeor is preferred for healthy adults.
- Stress factors are approximate: 1.1–1.2 minor surgery, 1.2–1.4 infection or trauma, 1.5–2.0 major burns.
Why use
Still the reference in many protocols and exams.
Men: 66.47 + 13.75 W + 5.003 H − 6.755 A. Women: 655.1 + 9.563 W + 1.850 H − 4.676 A (W kg, H cm, A years)