Tracking your cycling workout’s impact? Our free cycling calorie calculator estimates calories burned based on your weight, average speed, and ride duration—whether commuting, touring, or spinning indoors. Perfect for cyclists aiming for weight loss, endurance training, or daily fitness, this calories burned cycling tool uses MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) values for precision. Enter details for instant results, plus tips to maximize burn. No apps required!
Cycling is a low-impact cardio powerhouse, burning 400-1,000+ calories/hour depending on intensity. Use our insights to fuel rides effectively. Start calculating below.
What is a Cycling Calorie Calculator?
A bike calorie burn calculator applies exercise physiology formulas to quantify energy expenditure during cycling, factoring in body weight, effort (speed), and time. MET values scale intensity: casual (4-6 mph) to racing (20+ mph).
Ideal for:
- Weight management (e.g., deficit for fat loss).
- Training plans (e.g., zone-based calorie targets).
- Health tracking (heart benefits, calorie replacement post-ride).
Ours supports mph/kmh, indoor/outdoor, and outputs per mile for efficiency checks.
Features of Our Free Calories Burned Cycling Calculator
Accurate and motivating, this cycling calories per hour tool includes:
- Key Inputs: Weight (lbs/kg), speed (mph/kmh), duration (minutes).
- Intensity Levels: Auto-adjusts MET for casual, moderate, vigorous rides.
- Detailed Outputs: Total calories, per hour/mile, plus hydration/fuel tips.
- Progress Tracker: Log rides for weekly burn summaries.
- Mobile-Friendly: Quick access during breaks, unlimited free use.
Goes beyond basics with personalized advice, like speed tweaks for more burn.
How to Use the Cycling Calorie Calculator
- Enter Weight: Your body weight in lbs or kg (affects baseline burn).
- Set Speed & Time: Average speed (e.g., 12 mph) and duration (e.g., 45 min).
- Select Units: Mph/kmh for global users.
- Calculate: View total calories, plus breakdowns.
Tip: For indoor cycling, use resistance-equivalent speeds; add hills for +20% burn estimate.
Cycling Calorie Formula Explained: MET Method
Backed by science: Calories Burned = MET × Weight (kg) × Time (hours).
- MET Values by Speed: 10-12 mph = 8 METs; 14-16 mph = 10 METs; 20+ mph = 12+ METs.
- Example: 70kg rider at 12 mph (8 METs) for 1 hour = 8 × 70 × 1 = 560 calories.
- Per Mile: Total Calories ÷ Distance (miles).
Our tool uses Compendium of Physical Activities data for reliability.
Cycling Calorie Examples: By Speed & Duration
Real-ride scenarios:
Casual Commute
150lbs at 10 mph for 30 min: ~200 calories (leisurely pace).
Moderate Ride
180lbs at 14 mph for 1 hour: ~650 calories (fitness level).
Vigorous Spin
160lbs at 18 mph for 45 min: ~550 calories (high intensity).
| Speed (mph) | Intensity | Calories/Hour (150lbs) | Calories/Hour (200lbs) | Example Ride (30 min, 150lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8-10 | Casual | 350 | 460 | 175 calories |
| 12-14 | Moderate | 500 | 660 | 250 calories |
| 16-18 | Vigorous | 700 | 920 | 350 calories |
| 20+ | Racing | 900+ | 1,200+ | 450+ calories |
FAQ: Common Cycling Calorie Calculator Questions
- How many calories do I burn cycling per hour?
- 300-1,000+; depends on weight/speed—e.g., 500 for moderate 150lbs rider.
- Does terrain affect the calculation?
- Yes; add 10-20% for hills—our tool estimates flats, adjust manually.
- Is this accurate for weight loss?
- Estimates only; pair with diet for 500-calorie daily deficit.
Fuel your rides wisely—try our free cycling calorie calculator and track progress. Share your burn stats below!