Calculate MET: Measure the energy intensity of an activity (calculator)

Calculate MET: Measure the energy intensity of an activity (calculator)

Author:
Bc. Lukáš Tóth
Bc. Lukáš Tóth
Healthcare worker
Medically reviewed:
MUDr. Andrea Bullová
MUDr. Andrea Bullová
Physician
Movement activity burns calories. Use the MET calculator to get an approximate result of the amount of energy needed.
Enter your body stats
The calculations are indicative
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MET Calculation - How many calories do I burn during physical activity?

MET is an abbreviation of metabolic equivalent. More precisely, metabolic equivalent of task.

MET is an approximate estimate of the amount of energy our body needs for a particular activity.

How do you use this figure?
when exercising and "measuring" the intensity of your workout,
when losing weight or just for fun.

The definition states...

1 MET is defined as 1 kilocalorie per kilogram of body weight per minute of activity - kcal/kg/min
or also 3.5 milliliters of oxygen per kilogram of body weight per minute of activity - ml/kg/min
1 MET reflects the resting oxygen consumption of 3.5 ml of oxygen during a seated rest.

Energy consumption varies for different physical activities. The type of activity and the intensity of the movement influence the energy and oxygen requirements.

The MET values were determined by observing and monitoring oxygen consumption during different activities. Subsequently, the average oxygen consumption per unit time was determined.

At 1 MET, oxygen consumption is equal to oxygen consumption during sitting rest.

At 2 MET, oxygen consumption is twice as high as at rest.

The goal was to determine the rate of energy the body consumes during a particular activity. The higher the intensity of the activity, the more oxygen and energy is consumed.

It further states:

  • MET less than 3 = light intensity
  • MET 3 to 6 = moderate intensity activity
  • MET more than 6 = high intensity

The table lists some activities and their MET/intensity

MET/Intensity Activity
Very light and light
1 Session
1,3 Standing
1,8 Sitting and learning
2 Office work Walking at a slow pace Light standing work
2,5 Walking downhill Cooking Light cleaning Shopping Pushing the pram Walking the dog
Moderate intensity
3-3,5 Walking and walking at work Standing work - assembly, repair, etc. Driving tractor, bus, truck Washing car, windows, floor Sweeping outside the house Harvesting fruit, vegetables
4 Walking up stairs Dancing Quiet cycling Work in the garden Painting, bricklaying
5 Walking at a fast pace and walking on the ground Faster dancing Carrying objects 11-22 kg Digging, digging Cutting wood
High intensity
6-7 Race walking Ice skating and roller skating Working with heavy tools such as a pickaxe Intense dancing Hiking and walking in the mountains Swimming
8-10 Cycling 25 km/hr Rowing, canoeing Football, hockey Circuit training or weight training

The calculation of the MET calculator is of course only indicative. The approximate value cannot be an exact indicator.

Everyone is different, individual. Everyone's metabolism works differently.

Other useful calculators:

For more information, please refer to our articles:

Important notice:

Please remember that the results of our health calculators and analyzers are for guidance purposes only. They are not a substitute for a professional examination or the advice of a doctor, pharmacist or other health care professional.

Each person is unique, and everyone's needs may vary. Calculators and analyzers have limitations and do not provide a comprehensive individual view of health.

Their use is at your own risk. Neither the site operator nor the author is responsible for misuse and misinterpretation of information obtained through their use. By using the calculators and analyzers, you agree to these terms and conditions and neither the operator nor the author shall be liable for any consequences.

You are advised to consult a professional for your medical condition. Remember that health is an important topic and any decisions should be made in consultation with a professional.

This calculator/analyzer is not a medical tool or medical aid. Consult your doctor about your health problem.

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Bc. Lukáš Tóth
Bc. Lukáš Tóth
Healthcare worker
The secondary medical school in Nitra gave me the basis for my career in the field of health and diseases. Thanks to it, I worked for 2 years in the traumatology clinic and outpatient clinic at the Nitra Hospital. Since 2006 I was employed in the emergency medical service, where I stayed until 2017. I completed my bachelor's degree at the University of Constantine the Philosopher in Nitra in the field of emergency health care. The bachelor's degree allowed me to continue my mission as a paramedic. In the meantime, I got a job at the emergency line 155. I have been working in pre-hospital health care until today. I had an interest in people, health and even diseases in my childhood, which gave me the prerequisite to pursue this topic in adulthood. Studying and acquiring new information in practice provided me with a great basis for writing professional texts, in the form of articles that can be understood by ordinary people. Thus, my interest in the Health Portal has a solid foundation in years of practice and personal interest. Similarly, I am also interested in healthy eating, nutrition and overall healthy lifestyle. I fill my free time with family and sports.
View all articles by the same author
MUDr. Andrea Bullová
Medically reviewed: MUDr. Andrea Bullová
Physician
After graduating from an eight-year high school, I knew exactly who I wanted to become in life. Studying at the Faculty of Medicine at Comenius University in Bratislava fulfilled a long-held dream and I was able to start fulfilling my mission as a doctor. After obtaining my diploma and M.D. degree, my first professional steps led to the St. Elizabeth Cancer Institute in Bratislava. At the Stereotactic Radiosurgery Clinic I worked with patients with brain tumours and eye tumours. After a year of working with oncology patients, in 2020 I moved to the Neurology Clinic of SZU St. Michael's University Hospital in Bratislava, where I am still working today. I like to spend my free time outdoors, whether cycling, hiking or just walking in the nearby forest.
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