Resting Metabolic Rate (Owen) Calculator

About this calculator

The Owen equation, published by Owen et al. in 1986 (men) and 1987 (women), estimates Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) — the calories burned at complete rest — from body weight and sex alone: roughly 879 + 10.2 x weight in kg for men, and 795 + 7.18 x weight in kg for women. Unlike the Harris-Benedict or Mifflin-St Jeor equations, it does not require height or age as inputs.

Clinical dietitians and researchers sometimes prefer the Owen equation specifically because it was derived and validated using indirect calorimetry data and performs comparably to the more input-heavy formulas in several validation studies, making it a convenient option when height is unavailable or unreliable, such as in bedridden patients.

This calculator applies the Owen equation to your weight and sex to estimate your RMR, giving a baseline calorie figure for the energy your body needs at complete rest.