Fitness
Calories from distance and weight
Energy is proportional to the mass moved and the distance moved. The factor captures how costly the gait is.
The Formula
kcal = d(km) x weight x factor
Energy is proportional to the mass moved and the distance moved. The factor captures how costly the gait is.
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| E | Energy burned | kcal | Gross kilocalories for the walk itself. |
| d | Distance | km | Distance covered, in kilometres. |
| m | Body weight | kg | Mass being carried, in kilograms. |
| k | Activity factor | kcal/kg/km | About 0.5 walking, 0.75 brisk or hiking, 1.0 running. |
What Each Symbol Means
Ekcal
Energy burned
Gross kilocalories for the walk itself.
dkm
Distance
Distance covered, in kilometres.
mkg
Body weight
Mass being carried, in kilograms.
kkcal/kg/km
Activity factor
About 0.5 walking, 0.75 brisk or hiking, 1.0 running.
See It Worked With Real Numbers
A formula on its own does not tell you which number goes where. The how to convert steps to calories page applies this equation to a concrete case, shows every intermediate step, and names the mistakes that produce a wrong answer even when the algebra is right.
Where This Formula Appears
This equation is the working core of How To Convert Steps To Calories, filed under Health. Every number the guide produces comes from substituting into this one line.