How to use the child tdee calculator
Prepare the values for this calculation
Estimate total energy expenditure for ages 3 to under 10 from the FAO/WHO/UNU age-band BMR equation and a user-entered physical activity level (PAL). Use the formula below to check that it answers your question. Read the input units before transferring figures from a statement, measurement or dataset.
Enter and check each input
- Sex term used by the FAO equation: choose Male, Female. Match this selection to the data you enter.
- Age (years): enter a value at least 3 and no more than 17.99. Use the unit named in the label or selected above. Do not leave this required field blank.
- Body-weight unit: choose Kilograms (kg), Pounds (lb). Match this selection to the data you enter.
- Body weight (selected unit): enter a value at least 1 and no more than 500. Use the unit named in the label or selected above. Do not leave this required field blank.
- Physical activity level (PAL): enter a value at least 1 and no more than 3. Use the unit named in the label or selected above. Do not leave this required field blank.
The input table gives a complete example. Keep units and time periods consistent across related fields.
Calculate and resolve any input error
Choose Calculate after entering the values. Changes also update the answer after a short pause. If an error appears, follow its message, correct the field and calculate again. Reset restores the example values.
Interpret the answer
Check Estimated child TEE first. With the unchanged example inputs, it is 1,715.1 kcal/day. Compare the additional metrics with the primary result; each has its own label and unit.
Compare and keep a useful result
For a controlled comparison, keep every other example input unchanged and change Body weight (selected unit) from 25 to 27.5. The resulting Estimated child TEE is 1,805.9 kcal/day. This illustrates the equation’s response to that input, rather than a forecast of real events.
Read the chart’s axis labels and data table. A scenario curve changes one stated input while holding the others fixed; it does not add external observations. Use Download graph to save an available chart as a PNG.
Use Copy result or Download CSV to keep the answer. Share tool shares the page address without placing your input values in the URL. Recheck inputs and assumptions before using the result for a decision.
Child TDEE Calculator formula
TEE = estimated BMR × PAL. Child BMR uses the FAO 3–10 weight equation. PAL is entered explicitly and is not prescribed by SopidoCalc.
Inputs and units
| Input | Format / range | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Sex term used by the FAO equation | Select an option | Male |
| Age (years) | minimum 3; maximum 17.99 | 7 |
| Body-weight unit | Select an option | Kilograms (kg) |
| Body weight (selected unit) | minimum 1; maximum 500 | 25 |
| Physical activity level (PAL) | minimum 1; maximum 3 | 1.6 |
Worked example
Using the example inputs above, the estimated child tee is 1,715.1 kcal/day.
- Estimated child TEE
- 1,715.1 kcal/day
- Estimated BMR
- 1,072 kcal/day
- Entered PAL
- 1.6
- FAO equation band
- 3 to <10 years
Results and assumptions
TEE is estimated as BMR × your entered PAL. This is not a dietary energy prescription: energy requirements during growth also account for energy deposition in growing tissues, and PAL selection requires context.
Sources and method references
Fix an input or unexpected result
Age (years) is required. Enter age (years) using the format and bounds in the input table. Zero and an empty field are different: use zero only if it is allowed and represents your data.
If your answer differs from the example, choose Reset and compare every field, including selected units and options. Check percentage versus decimal entry and whether values describe the same period. Round only the final displayed answer when reproducing the formula.
If a discrepancy remains, report the calculator issue with the page address, non-sensitive example inputs, actual result, expected result and a reference for your calculation.