Estimate calories burned swimming by stroke and intensity.
Swimming MET values vary widely by stroke, with butterfly more than double moderate freestyle. Water resistance means energy cost per hundred metres far exceeds the equivalent distance on land. Swimming burns more per unit distance than running but less per unit time at recreational intensity, because sustainable swimming speeds are much lower.
Swimming Calories
Calories per minute = MET × 3.5 × weight in kg ÷ 200
These figures are estimates based on population-average formulas and are intended for training and recreational planning only. They are not medical advice. Consult a qualified health professional before starting or changing an exercise programme, particularly if you have an existing medical condition.
Calories per minute = MET × 3.5 × weight in kg ÷ 200 Swimming MET values vary widely by stroke, with butterfly more than double moderate freestyle. Water resistance means energy cost per hundred metres far exceeds the equivalent distance on land.
Swimming burns more per unit distance than running but less per unit time at recreational intensity, because sustainable swimming speeds are much lower.
This calculator takes 4 inputs: Body weight, Duration, Stroke, Distance covered. The pre-filled defaults are a realistic starting point — replace them with figures from your own environment for a result you can act on.