About CalorieCalculator.uk
CalorieCalculator.uk is a free online tool designed specifically for UK residents who want to understand their daily calorie needs. Unlike generic calculators, our tool is built with British users in mind — supporting stones and pounds, aligning with NHS weight loss guidelines, and using scientifically validated formulas.
Our Mission: To provide accurate, easy-to-use calorie calculations that help people in the UK make informed decisions about their nutrition and weight management journey.
Why We Built This Calculator
Most online calorie calculators are designed for American users, using US measurements and generic weight loss percentages. We noticed a gap in the market for a truly UK-focused tool that:
- Supports UK measurements — Enter your weight in stones and pounds, just like you'd tell your GP
- Follows NHS guidelines — Uses the NHS-recommended 600 kcal deficit for safe, sustainable weight loss
- References UK food data — Includes calorie information for common British foods
- Is completely free — No subscriptions, no hidden features, no app downloads required
The Science Behind Our Calculator
Our calculator uses peer-reviewed scientific formulas to estimate your energy needs:
Mifflin-St Jeor Equation (Default)
Published in 1990, this formula is considered the most accurate for estimating Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) in most adults. It's recommended by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
- Men: BMR = (10 × weight in kg) + (6.25 × height in cm) − (5 × age) + 5
- Women: BMR = (10 × weight in kg) + (6.25 × height in cm) − (5 × age) − 161
Harris-Benedict Equation (Revised)
Originally published in 1918 and revised in 1984, this is one of the oldest and most widely-used BMR formulas. Some people prefer it for historical comparison.
Katch-McArdle Formula
This formula uses lean body mass (requiring body fat percentage) to calculate BMR. It's particularly useful for athletes or those who know their body composition.
Activity Multipliers
We multiply your BMR by an activity factor to estimate Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE). These factors are based on the widely-used Harris-Benedict activity levels.
NHS Alignment
The NHS recommends a daily calorie deficit of approximately 600 kcal for sustainable weight loss. This promotes a steady loss of 0.5kg to 1kg per week, which is considered safe and maintainable long-term.
Our calculator prominently features this NHS-aligned recommendation, helping users understand what sustainable weight loss looks like.
Our Sources
Editorial Standards & Research Methodology
🔬 Our Commitment to Accuracy
At CalorieCalculator.uk, we are committed to providing evidence-based, accurate nutritional information. Every piece of content on our website follows strict editorial guidelines.
How We Research & Verify Information
- Primary Sources: We reference official NHS guidelines, peer-reviewed scientific journals (PubMed), and recommendations from the British Dietetic Association
- Scientific Formulas: Our calculator exclusively uses validated equations published in reputable medical journals
- Regular Updates: We review our content quarterly to ensure alignment with the latest NHS guidance and scientific research
- Fact-Checking: All claims are cross-referenced with at least two authoritative sources before publication
- Expert Review: Our nutritional content is reviewed for accuracy against current dietetic standards
Content Guidelines
We adhere to these principles in all our content:
- Evidence-Based: We only share information backed by scientific evidence or official health guidelines
- Transparency: We clearly cite our sources and distinguish between facts and opinions
- No Fad Diets: We do not promote extreme dieting, unproven supplements, or quick-fix solutions
- Inclusive: We present information suitable for diverse body types, ages, and health conditions
- Clear Disclaimers: We always remind users that calculators provide estimates and are not substitutes for professional advice
Corrections Policy
If we discover an error in our content or calculations, we correct it promptly and transparently. If you spot an inaccuracy, please contact us immediately.
Who We Are
CalorieCalculator.uk was created by a team of health-conscious developers and nutrition enthusiasts based in the United Kingdom. We recognised that most online health tools were designed for American audiences and didn't account for UK-specific needs like stones and pounds or NHS guidelines.
Our team combines expertise in:
- Web Development: Creating accessible, user-friendly health tools
- Data Science: Implementing accurate scientific formulas and calculations
- Health Research: Understanding and applying nutritional science and NHS recommendations
We are not medical professionals, which is why we always encourage users to consult qualified healthcare providers for personalised advice. Our goal is to make evidence-based nutritional information more accessible to everyone in the UK.
Important Disclaimer
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: While our calculator uses scientifically validated formulas, the results are estimates only. Individual metabolism varies based on many factors not captured by these equations, including genetics, hormonal conditions, medications, and more.
This tool is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. If you're planning significant dietary changes, have health conditions, or concerns about your weight, please consult your GP or a registered dietitian. Read our full Medical Disclaimer →
Contact Us
We'd love to hear from you! Whether you have suggestions for improving the calculator, found a bug, or want to discuss a partnership:
- General enquiries: contact@caloriecalculator.uk
- Technical issues: support@caloriecalculator.uk
- Press & partnerships: hello@caloriecalculator.uk
Visit our Contact Page to send us a message directly.
Support Our Work
CalorieCalculator.uk is free to use and supported by advertising. If you find our tool helpful, the best way to support us is to:
- Share the calculator with friends and family
- Disable your ad blocker on our site
- Leave us a review or testimonial
Thank you for using CalorieCalculator.uk!