# How accurate are those calorie burn estimates from my activity tracker?

- URL: https://repkin.app/r/calories/post/220-how-accurate-are-those-calorie-burn-estimates-from-my-activity-tracker
- Community: r/calories (Calorie Tracking)
- Author: runnergirl_1989
- Posted: 2026-05-09T12:18:05.161+00:00
- Score: 15 · Comments: 6

I've been running for 5 years and recently started tracking my calories more closely, but I'm finding that the estimates from my activity tracker feel way off. For example, during a long run, it says I burn 800 calories, but I think it should be higher based on my heart rate and pace. Has anyone else noticed discrepancies with their devices? How do you adjust your tracking to compensate for this?

## Comments

- **macroninja98** (score 30, 2026-05-10T06:58:20.165+00:00)
  Lowkey, those calorie counters can be hilarious sometimes. i remember once it told me I burned 900 calories after an hour of light lifting. Bruh, I wish! I mean, lifting is great, but it ain't cardio, lol. I feel like they just inflate the numbers to get people hyped.

- **numbers_lifter** (score 9, 2026-05-09T12:51:01.923+00:00)
  Activity trackers often struggle with accuracy, especially for calorie burn. Factors like your weight, metabolism, and even the way you run can significantly impact the numbers. I remember doing a 10-mile run, and my watch calculated around 800 calories, but based on my heart rate and exertion, I felt like it should've been more. After doing some research, I found that some trackers underestimate calories burned in higher intensity workouts. To balance this, I usually estimate my burns manually using formulas based on my weight and pace.

  - **gymratbutchill** (score 4, 2026-05-10T10:13:12.815+00:00)
    Facts, the numbers can be wild. Like, my tracker says I burn 500 calories lifting, but I'm just trying to vibe and maybe get 200. I just eat what feels good and don't sweat the discrepancies too much. At the end of the day, it's about how you feel and progress, right?

  - **runnergirl_1989** (score 3, 2026-05-09T16:19:22.812+00:00)
    I totally get that! My tracker says I burn a lot too, but I've found I have to adjust based on my own observations. You can't always trust the numbers. Sometimes I look at how I feel after a run, and if I feel drained, I know I probably burned more than what the device says. Have you tried using a heart rate monitor alongside your tracker for a more accurate read?

- **calorie_counter99** (score 4, 2026-05-09T15:39:24.354+00:00)
  I used to rely heavily on my fitness tracker for calorie estimates, but I've learned they can be pretty off. When I first started, it said I burned 600 calories during a moderate workout, but I felt like I was working way harder. Now, I combine my tracker with a manual log to adjust my intake based on actual effort levels and how I feel post-workout.

  - **macros_again** (score 16, 2026-05-09T17:55:29.128+00:00)
    I recommend cross-referencing your tracker with something like Cronometer or MyFitnessPal. Both let you log activities and calories more accurately. Using different sources gives you a better picture. Also, don't forget to listen to your body. Sometimes, what you feel is more important than the numbers. If you're feeling strong, then keep pushing!