Use Wolfram Alpha to Estimate Your Basal Metabolic Rate

In another article, I teach you how to use the Harris-Benedict Equation to estimate your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR).

The new Wolfram computational knowledge engine will do this for you, automatically. According to the Wolfram FAQ page, “[Wolfram aims] to collect and curate all objective data; implement every known model, method, and algorithm; and make it possible to compute whatever can be computed about anything.” Sounds good, huh?

Check it out here.

Using the numbers from the Harris-Benedict article linked to above, I typed this string into the search box:

metabolic rate 155 pound man 5’10″ 25 years old

…and Wolfram responded with a beautiful set of charts detailing the calorie requirements for various levels of activity:

Input information:


Basal metabolic rate:


Energy expenditure:


Give it a try! It’s a wonderful way to play around with the Harris-Benedict equation.

{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }

Will P September 17, 2009 at 2:15 am

Very cool tool! Thanks for the heads-up!

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