Child Calorie Needs Calculator
Children and teens do not use the adult equation. Multiply the Schofield resting value by an activity factor.
Result
Enter the values and press Calculate. Numbers outside the allowed range produce no result.
How is it calculated?
1.4, 1.6 and 1.8 are rough factors for low, moderate and high activity. Growth is already inside the estimate; do not add extra 'growth calories'.
Boys 3–10: 19.59×kg + 130.3 Girls 3–10: 16.969×kg + 161.5 Boys 10–18: 17.686×kg + 658.2 Girls 10–18: 13.384×kg + 692.6 Daily energy = result × activity factor
Reference table
| Activity | Factor |
|---|---|
| Low | 1,4 |
| Moderate | 1,6 |
| High | 1,8 |
How should you read the result?
Not for under-3s, growth faltering or illness. Do not build a calorie-restricted diet for a child from this page.
Frequently asked questions
How many calories does a child need?
It depends on age, weight and activity. A 10-year-old at 32 kg with moderate activity is the default example.
Can I use the adult calorie tool?
Not under 18. Mifflin-St Jeor does not model growth correctly.
What about a child with excess weight?
The approach is family habits and growth monitoring, not a restriction. A paediatrician plans that.
Why is this not a percentile?
This page is energy. Use the Child Growth tool for height and weight percentiles.