Free Schofield Equation Calculator
Calculate your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) using the Schofield equation — the WHO-recommended formula for estimating energy requirements. Unlike other BMR formulas, Schofield uses age-specific equations based on weight, making it applicable to all age groups from children to elderly adults.
Your Daily Calorie Needs
0cal
Calculated using Schofield Equation
BMR
0
calories at rest
Age Group Used
--
Schofield bracket
Activity Multiplier
--
applied to BMR
Choose Your Goal
Aggressive
-750 cal
Lose
-500 cal
Maintain
TDEE
Lean Gain
+250 cal
Bulk
+500 cal
Daily Calorie Target
0 calories
Maintenance - no change from TDEE
Recommended Macros (30/40/30 Split)
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What is the Schofield Equation?
The Schofield equation was developed by W.N. Schofield in 1985 as a method for estimating Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) — the number of calories your body burns at complete rest. It was adopted by the WHO/FAO/UNU (World Health Organization, Food and Agriculture Organization, and United Nations University) as the recommended approach for estimating energy requirements in their landmark 1985 report on human energy requirements.
Unlike other BMR formulas such as Mifflin-St Jeor or Harris-Benedict, the Schofield equation does not require height as an input. Instead, it uses age-specific regression equations based solely on body weight, with separate formulas for males and females across six age brackets. This makes it particularly useful in clinical settings, public health surveys, and situations where height measurements may not be readily available.
The original dataset comprised over 7,000 BMR measurements from published studies, making it one of the largest datasets used to develop a BMR prediction equation at the time.
Schofield Equations by Age Group
The Schofield equation uses different formulas depending on age and gender. In all equations, W represents body weight in kilograms and the result is in kcal/day.
Males
| Age Range | Equation (kcal/day) |
|---|---|
| 0-3 | BMR = 59.512 x W - 30.4 |
| 3-10 | BMR = 22.706 x W + 504.3 |
| 10-18 | BMR = 17.686 x W + 658.2 |
| 18-30 | BMR = 15.057 x W + 692.2 |
| 30-60 | BMR = 11.472 x W + 873.1 |
| 60+ | BMR = 11.711 x W + 587.7 |
Females
| Age Range | Equation (kcal/day) |
|---|---|
| 0-3 | BMR = 58.317 x W - 31.1 |
| 3-10 | BMR = 20.315 x W + 485.9 |
| 10-18 | BMR = 13.384 x W + 692.6 |
| 18-30 | BMR = 14.818 x W + 486.6 |
| 30-60 | BMR = 8.126 x W + 845.6 |
| 60+ | BMR = 9.082 x W + 658.5 |
Schofield vs Mifflin-St Jeor vs Harris-Benedict
The three most commonly used BMR equations each have distinct strengths. The Schofield equation is the simplest, requiring only weight and age, and is the only one recommended by the WHO for international use across all age groups. The Mifflin-St Jeor equation (1990) requires weight, height, age, and gender and is considered the most accurate for non-obese adults by the American Dietetic Association. The Harris-Benedict equation (1918, revised 1984) also uses weight, height, age, and gender but tends to overestimate BMR by approximately 5% in some populations.
For adults aged 18-60 who can provide accurate height measurements, the Mifflin-St Jeor equation may offer slightly more precision. However, the Schofield equation remains the preferred choice for pediatric populations, elderly individuals, and international public health applications where its simplicity and comprehensive age coverage are significant advantages.
Why the WHO Recommends the Schofield Equation
The World Health Organization adopted the Schofield equation as its recommended method for estimating BMR because of several key strengths. First, the equation was derived from a large and diverse dataset of over 7,000 published BMR measurements, providing a robust statistical foundation. Second, the age-bracketed approach covers the full human lifespan from birth to old age, unlike other equations that focus primarily on adults.
In clinical and public health settings, the Schofield equation is used to estimate energy requirements for populations, plan food aid programs, assess nutritional needs in hospitals, and develop dietary guidelines. Its reliance on weight alone (without height) makes it practical for field studies and situations where precise anthropometric measurements are difficult to obtain. The WHO, FAO, and UNU continue to reference the Schofield equations in their guidelines for human energy requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Schofield Equation
What is the Schofield equation?
The Schofield equation is a method for estimating Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) using age-bracketed equations based on body weight. Developed by W.N. Schofield in 1985, it is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the United Nations University (UNU) for estimating energy requirements. The equations divide individuals into six age groups (0-3, 3-10, 10-18, 18-30, 30-60, and 60+) with separate formulas for males and females.
How does the Schofield equation differ from Mifflin-St Jeor?
The Schofield equation uses only body weight and age brackets to estimate BMR, while the Mifflin-St Jeor formula requires weight, height, age, and gender as continuous variables. Schofield does not use height as an input, making it simpler to apply in field settings. Additionally, Schofield covers all age groups from infants to elderly adults, whereas Mifflin-St Jeor was validated primarily on adults aged 19-78.
Why does the WHO recommend the Schofield equation?
The WHO recommends the Schofield equation because it was derived from a large dataset of over 7,000 BMR measurements from individuals across multiple countries. It provides age-specific equations that are applicable across all life stages, from infants to elderly adults, making it suitable for public health and clinical nutrition applications worldwide. Its simplicity (requiring only weight and age) makes it practical for use in diverse settings, including resource-limited environments.
Is the Schofield equation accurate?
The Schofield equation provides good estimates for general populations and is considered reliable for most individuals. However, research has shown that it may overestimate BMR by 5-15% in certain ethnic groups, particularly tropical populations, because the original dataset was heavily weighted toward European and North American subjects. For individuals of specific ethnic backgrounds, locally validated equations may provide better accuracy. Despite this limitation, it remains the most widely used international standard for BMR estimation.
What age groups does the Schofield equation cover?
The Schofield equation covers all ages from birth to over 60 years, divided into six age brackets: 0-3 years, 3-10 years, 10-18 years, 18-30 years, 30-60 years, and 60+ years. Each age bracket has separate equations for males and females, resulting in 12 distinct formulas. This comprehensive age coverage is one of the key advantages over other BMR equations like Mifflin-St Jeor, which was designed primarily for adults.
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For Nutrition Professionals
Are you a dietitian, nutritionist, or personal trainer looking to streamline client BMR and TDEE calculations? Foodzilla supports the Schofield equation and other validated formulas to automatically calculate calorie needs for all your clients and generate personalized meal plans in seconds.
- Built-in Schofield equation calculator with multiple formula options
- Automatic macro calculations based on client goals
- AI-powered meal plan generation
- 1,500+ dietitian-approved recipes
- White-label mobile apps for your clients
Disclaimer
This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. The results should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider, registered dietitian, or physician before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or lifestyle. Individual needs may vary based on health conditions, medications, and other factors.
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