A cycling calorie estimate needs riding time, body weight and effort. Speed helps describe a ride, but wind, hills and electric assistance make speed alone unreliable.
Choose an effort category
The moderate cycling option assumes 6.8 MET; vigorous cycling assumes 10 MET. Enter active minutes and kilograms. There is no separate speed or power input, so the tool cannot calculate the effect of a headwind or an e-bike assistance setting.
Example: a 20 km ride
At an average moving speed of 20 km/h, the ride lasts 60 minutes. For 80 kg at the moderate setting, 6.8 × 3.5 × 80 ÷ 200 × 60 = about 571 kcal. At the vigorous setting the same time gives 840 kcal. This difference shows how much the chosen assumption matters.
Outdoor and indoor comparisons
Record stops separately from riding time. On a stationary bike, resistance and measured power are more informative than a virtual speed. Outdoors, drafting or a tailwind can increase speed without the same increase in effort. Use the estimate to compare broadly similar rides, not to prescribe eating or a weight-loss target.
Compendium of Physical Activities: METs
Estimate: kcal/min = MET × 3.5 × kg ÷ 200. When steps are entered and duration is blank, this tool assumes 100 steps per minute. MET values are population averages. Incline, terrain, wind, fitness, technique, handrail use and individual physiology change actual energy use. Not medical or nutrition advice.
Schatting: MET × 3,5 × kg ÷ 200. MET-waarden zijn gemiddelden en geen directe meting of medisch advies.
