Ages 6-12 · For parents

TDEE Calculator for Kids

Children aged 6-12 have unique energy needs driven by growth, development, and typically high activity levels. This calculator provides a general estimate of daily calorie needs as an informational guide for parents, using the Mifflin-St Jeor equation as a reference point — not as a basis for dietary restriction.

For parents and caregivers · Growth-adjusted estimates · Informational only
Important notice for parents Children should never have their food restricted based on calorie calculations. This tool is for informational purposes for parents and caregivers only. Consult your paediatrician for any concerns about your child's growth, weight, or nutrition.
For parents and caregivers Growth-adjusted estimates Informational only
Child's gender
Child's height
Child's weight
Estimated daily calorie needs (informational)
Estimated TDEE
—
kcal / day
Estimated daily energy needs
Active Days
—
kcal / day
+200 kcal on sport or play days
Growth Phase
—
kcal / day
+300 kcal for growth spurts
Estimated BMR — Calories at complete rest
Reference: Mifflin-St Jeor equation · For informational purposes only
For informational purposes only. Do not use these figures to restrict a child's food intake. Children self-regulate appetite naturally. Consult your paediatrician about your child's nutritional needs.
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Children's Calorie Needs Explained

Children's calorie needs increase steadily through childhood, with significant variation based on sex, body size, and activity. A key principle: children have natural hunger and satiety cues that regulate their food intake far better than any calculator. Responsive feeding - offering nutritious foods and letting children decide how much to eat - is the foundation of healthy childhood nutrition.

These calculations use the Mifflin-St Jeor equation which was developed for adults. While it provides a reasonable reference point for children over 6, it is less accurate than paediatric-specific formulas. The numbers shown are for parental awareness, not meal planning targets.

Rough reference ranges (not prescriptions):
Ages 6-8: 1,200-1,600 kcal/day
Ages 9-11: 1,400-2,000 kcal/day
Age 12: 1,600-2,200 kcal/day
Active children at upper end or above

Informational Estimate

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Growth-adjusted calorie estimates for teenagers aged 13-19.
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For parents wanting to calculate their own daily calorie needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories does a child need per day?+
Calorie needs vary significantly by age, sex, and activity. Generally: children aged 6-8 need 1,200-1,600 kcal, aged 9-11 need 1,400-2,000 kcal, and aged 12 need 1,600-2,200 kcal depending on activity and sex. Active children need significantly more. These are estimates - children naturally regulate their intake through hunger and fullness cues.
Should I count calories for my child?+
No. Calorie counting is not appropriate for healthy children and can contribute to unhealthy relationships with food. Children have natural hunger and satiety signals that regulate intake. Focus on providing balanced, nutritious meals and snacks and let your child respond to their hunger. Consult your paediatrician if you have concerns.
Why do active children need more calories?+
Active children - those in sports, swimming, dance, or other regular physical activities - burn significantly more calories and need more food to support both activity and growth simultaneously. Under-fuelling active children impairs growth, performance, concentration, and mood.
What should a healthy child's diet look like?+
A balanced diet for children includes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, dairy or calcium-rich alternatives, and healthy fats. Portion sizes naturally scale with the child's appetite. Avoid labelling foods as good or bad - this can create unhealthy food relationships. Variety and balance matter more than specific calorie targets.
When should I be concerned about my child's calorie intake?+
Consult your paediatrician if your child is consistently refusing food, eating very little, gaining weight rapidly, or showing signs of disordered eating. Regular growth checks at your paediatrician track whether your child is growing appropriately - this is a much better indicator of adequate nutrition than calorie counting.