Posted by u/casual_lifter_99·12 days ago·Beginner

What's the best free TDEE calculator that actually considers muscle mass?

TL;DR: Looking for a free TDEE calculator that considers muscle mass. Any suggestions?

I've just started lifting and I'm trying to get a handle on my TDEE, but I feel like a lot of the calculators out there don't really account for muscle mass. I want something that gives me a more accurate estimate, ya know? Does anyone have recommendations for free TDEE calculators that handle this better? Also, do you think it's worth investing in an app like MacroFactor down the line? I'm just trying to figure this all out!

12 comments

Comments

u/fitmom_2019·11 days ago

Investing in a good app can rly help with your journey! I've been using a tracking app for a while now, and it makes a huge difference in staying consistent. Just find one that fits your style, and you'll be good.

u/proteinpancakes22·12 days ago

Omg, have you tried making protein pancakes? They're awesome for muscle gain! But back to TDEE calculators, I think MacroFactor is pretty solid. It adjusts based on your progress, which is super helpful!

u/casual_lifter_99·11 days ago

I think you should check out Cronometer! I've used it for tracking my macros, and it has a nice feature that lets you enter your body composition. It really helps to get a better idea of TDEE.

u/grumpy_runner42·12 days ago

So, muscle mass is a big deal, huh? You'd think calculators would be better at this. But honestly, if you find one that works, let us know. I've used a few that were just total garbage.

u/squat_goat·12 days ago

Honestly, your best bet is just to track your lifts and your weight. You might not need a fancy calculator. Once you know your baseline, adjust from there. Keep it simple, right?

u/depressedlifter·8 days ago

I can't believe we're still talking about TDEE calculators in 2023. It's like, have you tried counting actual calories instead of playing with numbers? I mean, this isn't rocket science. If you lift and eat enough, you'll figure it out.

u/zoned_in_runner·12 days ago

Calculating TDEE isn't perfect, but I usually recommend focusing on your training and nutrition first. Have you thought about trying different lifting programs? The more you lift, the more your body will adjust naturally. Just don't get too obsessed with numbers.

u/macroninja98·11 days ago

Facts! MacroFactor is pretty solid, especially if you're serious about tracking. It gets smarter over time based on your input, which is lit. Just stay consistent with it and you'll see the results.

u/strongasplant·12 days ago

I'm all about that plant protein life! But seriously, using an app that tracks your muscle mass and macros is key. You'll see the gains over time if you track right. I use Cronometer too, love how detailed it is

u/gymratbutchill·11 days ago

Yeah, I've been lifting for a bit too and those calculators can be wild. I just use a simple one on a popular fitness app, and it gives me a rough idea. But tbh, I just adjust based on how I feel. You gotta listen to your body.

u/numbers_lifter·12 days ago

I feel like TDEE calculators are a good starting point, but they can't capture everything about your body, especially muscle mass. I've seen better accuracy when I started tracking my intake and monitoring my weight changes over time. I used MFP initially, but now I just log it manually, feels more real.

u/runnergirl_1989·12 days ago

It's great that you're getting into lifting! When I first started, I relied on calculators but ended up tweaking my intake based on results. If you're serious about tracking muscle mass, consider a more hands-on approach too.