Child Calorie Needs Calculator

Work out child calorie needs instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Child Calorie Needs Calculator

Uses the Schofield equations for children aged 3 to 10 and multiplies by a physical activity level factor.

Formula

Schofield equations (3 to 10 years)

Boys: BMR = 22.7 x weight + 495. Girls: BMR = 22.5 x weight + 499. Energy needs = BMR x activity factor

Worked example

With the default values below, Child Calorie Needs Calculator returns Estimated daily energy needs of 1,773. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Ageaccepts 3–10 years: 8 years
Sexone of Boy, Girl: Boy
Weightaccepts 10–70 kg: 27 kg
Activity levelone of Low (1.4), Moderate (1.6), High (1.8): Moderate (1.6)

Results

Estimated daily energy needs: 1,773 kcal/day
Basal metabolic rate: 1,108 kcal/day
Energy per kilogram: 65.65 kcal/kg/day
Activity factor applied: 1.60

Step by step

1Values used
2Schofield equations (3 to 10 years)
3Estimated daily energy needs= 1,773 kcal/day
4Basal metabolic rate= 1,108 kcal/day
5Energy per kilogram= 65.65 kcal/kg/day
6Activity factor applied= 1.60

Assumptions and limits

The result is derived only from the 4 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax, fees or charges or compounding frequency into account.
Figures are rounded for display to 2 decimal places, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.
Educational estimate only. Not a substitute for professional clinical judgement, and must not be used to make treatment or dosing decisions.
This is an estimate for general information and not professional medical advice. See the full disclaimer for the limits that apply to this kind of calculator.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Educational estimate only. Not a substitute for professional clinical judgement, and must not be used to make treatment or dosing decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should children's intake be restricted?

Energy restriction in growing children needs professional supervision; growth in height is the usual target rather than weight loss.

Why is energy per kilogram so high?

Children have a higher surface area to mass ratio and the added energy cost of growth.