MFP vs Scooby Calc

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I was comparing my differences between MFP and the Scooby Calculator. MFP would automatically log my exercise today for 505 calories burned; I do not have a heart rate monitor so I don't have any HRM numbers to use. Using a machine in the gym and inputting my weight/age would actually log my calories at 579. I know that both are likely to have atleast some margin of error in calculating my calories burned. So MFP would give me a daily food allowance of 1779. When I use the Scooby Calculator it lands me 1421 calories cutting 20% when I input all my stats. There's such a significant difference that I'm not sure what I should be following. Should I assume that MFP and gym equipment estimates are going to be off by as much as 50% in calculating my calories burned?

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  • cidalia73
    cidalia73 Posts: 107 Member
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    I was wondering the same thing, but leaning toward Scooby's calculations. Read this thread:

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/829951-mfp-calories-vs-scooby-calories

    Keep in mind, if you input your appropriate exercise level, do not eat back those exercise calories. It's already been factored in.

    Recalculate any time there's more than a 5-pound loss or your exercise level changes.
  • nlamb1988
    nlamb1988 Posts: 6 Member
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    any update on this? i have the same issue. Scooby's numbers are quite a bit higher for no muscle weightloss (2700) vs myfitness pal saying i would lose no weight at this calorie level despite my exercise.

    im also leaning toward scooby but i dont know exactly how he is calculating
  • bwogilvie
    bwogilvie Posts: 2,130 Member
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    any update on this? i have the same issue. Scooby's numbers are quite a bit higher for no muscle weightloss (2700) vs myfitness pal saying i would lose no weight at this calorie level despite my exercise.

    im also leaning toward scooby but i dont know exactly how he is calculating

    I'm not sure I follow you. Scooby's calculator doesn't have any choice that says, "No muscle weightloss." There is a "Gain muscle, lose fat" choice, which is intended to keep your weight the same while reducing your body fat percentage. That is exactly the same as "los[ing] no weight." So there doesn't appear to be a contradiction.

    Scooby's website explains very clearly the method that he uses to calculate: http://scoobysworkshop.com/accurate-calorie-calculator/#mostaccuratecaloriecalculator