Sedentary
1,560kcal
140 lb, 5 ft 4 in
Lightly active
1,788kcal
Moderately active
2,015kcal
Very active
2,243kcal
Show the math
BMR = 10 × 63.5 kg + 6.25 × 162.6 cm − 5 × 38 − 161 = 1,300
Calories per day by weight and activity
A 38-year-old woman, 5 ft 4 in tall.
| Weight | Sedentary | Light | Moderate | Very active |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120 lb | 1,451 | 1,663 | 1,874 | 2,086 |
| 140 lb | 1,560 | 1,788 | 2,015 | 2,243 |
| 160 lb | 1,669 | 1,912 | 2,156 | 2,399 |
| 180 lb | 1,778 | 2,037 | 2,296 | 2,556 |
| 200 lb | 1,887 | 2,162 | 2,437 | 2,712 |
| 220 lb | 1,995 | 2,286 | 2,577 | 2,869 |
| 240 lb | 2,104 | 2,411 | 2,718 | 3,025 |
| 260 lb | 2,213 | 2,536 | 2,859 | 3,181 |
Calories to lose weight at 38
| Weight | Lose 1 lb/week | Lose 0.5 lb/week |
|---|---|---|
| 120 lb | 1,200 | 1,413 |
| 140 lb | 1,288 | 1,538 |
| 160 lb | 1,412 | 1,662 |
| 180 lb | 1,537 | 1,787 |
| 200 lb | 1,662 | 1,912 |
| 220 lb | 1,786 | 2,036 |
| 240 lb | 1,911 | 2,161 |
| 260 lb | 2,036 | 2,286 |
Lightly active. Never below 1,200 kcal without medical supervision.
How age changes it
Each extra decade lowers resting burn by about 50 calories in the Mifflin-St Jeor equation, all else equal. Muscle matters more: strength training and enough protein help keep your burn up as you age.
How to use it
- Enter your numbers. Switch between US and metric units at any time.
- Results update as you type, and the formula is shown so you can check it.
- Copy the link, save the plan on this device, or print it for your next appointment.
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These are estimates, not a diagnosis. A clinician can account for your health history and medicines.
Nearby ages
Common questions
How many calories should a 38-year-old woman eat?
About 1,560 to 2,015 a day at 140 lb, depending on activity, to maintain weight. Your weight and height shift it; see the table.
How many calories should a 38-year-old woman eat to lose weight?
Roughly 500 fewer than maintenance for about 1 lb a week, for example 1,288 a day at 140 lb if lightly active.