What is my real tdee?

Mslmesq

Anybody else notice that every different calculator seems to compute it a tiny bit different? Frustrating. So how are you supposed to know which one is closest to accurate?

TheGymGypsy

They use different formulas to calculate your BMR, there is no way to know exact number. You only get an estimate each time.

dangerousdumpling

They use different formulas to calculate your BMR, there is no way to know exact number. You only get an estimate each time.

Ditto. I know it's frustrating not being able to get an exact number. I wish I could get an exact number, too. You'll just need to pick one to start with, try it out, give it time, and tweak it if necessary.

Mslmesq

Bummer. Thanks for the replies though! I appreciate it.

bwogilvie

Anybody else notice that every different calculator seems to compute it a tiny bit different? Frustrating. So how are you supposed to know which one is closest to accurate?

The way to figure out your actual TDEE is to count calories religiously and to compare your calorie intake with any change in your weight, over a reasonably long period (4 weeks, for instance). If you eat 1600 calories a day (on average) and you lose 1 lb. every week, then you're eating 500 calories/day below maintenance (-4 lbs. * 3500 cal/lb. / 28 days = -500 cal/day). Therefore, your TDEE over that period averaged 2100 calories.

That's why calculators like Scooby's (http://scoobysworkshop.com/accurate-calorie-calculator/) include a calibration factor, for you to enter the difference between the calculator's initial value and your actual experience.

Note that this only works if you are strict and accurate about recording calories eaten. Use a scale. Even labels can be wrong: I buy one brand of bread that gives calories per 43 g slice, but most slices actually weigh closer to 50g.