Calories Burned Standing Calculator
Calculate calories burned while standing and compare with sitting activities
Calculate Calories Burned Standing
Your current body weight
Time spent standing
Standing quietly, light work
Calorie Burn Results
Low energy expenditure but better than sitting
Good baseline activity - try to maintain throughout the day
Formula: calories = T × MET × 3.5 × W / (200 × 60)
Calculation: 60.0 min × 1.5 MET × 3.5 × 70.0 kg / 200 = 110.25 kcal
Weight Loss Projection (if done daily)
*Based on 3,500 calories = 1 pound of fat. Actual results may vary.
Understanding MET Values
What is MET?
MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) represents the ratio of work metabolic rate to resting metabolic rate. 1 MET = sitting quietly. Higher MET = more calories burned.
Standing quietly, light work
Standing with light arm movement
Standing with frequent movement/fidgeting
Sitting quietly, desk work
Sitting with light activity
Health Benefits of Standing
Activity Comparison (per hour)
*For a 150 lb (68 kg) person
Standing Tips
Take breaks every 30-60 minutes
Wear comfortable, supportive shoes
Use an anti-fatigue mat if possible
Shift weight and move regularly
Keep knees slightly bent
Understanding Calories Burned While Standing
The Science Behind Standing
Standing burns more calories than sitting because it requires muscle activation to maintain posture and balance. Your core muscles, legs, and back work continuously to keep you upright, resulting in higher energy expenditure.
Why Standing Burns Calories
- •Muscle activation in legs, core, and back
- •Maintaining balance and posture
- •Increased heart rate and circulation
Practical Applications
Example: Standing for 8 hours burns ~320 extra calories vs sitting
Daily Impact:
• Standing desk work: +200-400 calories
• Standing commute: +50-100 calories
• Standing meetings: +20-50 calories
• Standing while watching TV: +100-200 calories
Health Tip: Even small increases in daily calorie burn can contribute to weight management and improved metabolic health over time.
Standing vs. Sitting: The Long-term Impact
Excessive Sitting
Can lead to reduced metabolism, poor posture, increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and muscle weakness.
Balanced Approach
Alternating between sitting and standing throughout the day promotes better health, improved circulation, and sustained energy levels.
Active Standing
Adding movement, fidgeting, or light exercises while standing can significantly increase calorie burn and health benefits.