What Is TDEE?
Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) is the total number of calories your body burns in a 24-hour period, accounting for all activity. It is the single most important number for managing body weight: eat below your TDEE to lose fat, above it to gain mass, and at it to maintain.
How TDEE Is Calculated
TDEE is calculated by multiplying your BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) by an activity multiplier that reflects your average daily movement:
Sedentary: ×1.2 | Light: ×1.375 | Moderate: ×1.55
Very active: ×1.725 | Athlete: ×1.9
Using TDEE for Weight Goals
For fat loss, a daily deficit of 300–500 calories below TDEE produces a sustainable loss of 0.3–0.5 kg per week without excessive muscle loss. For muscle gain, a surplus of 200–300 calories above TDEE minimises fat gain while providing energy for growth. Avoid deficits larger than 1,000 calories per day, which accelerate muscle loss and metabolic adaptation.