Report

Help us improve this tool

Calories Burned Standing Calculator

Estimate calories burned while standing based on body weight and time spent on your feet.

O M T

Does Standing Burn Calories?

Yes, standing burns more calories than sitting, though the difference is modest. This calculator uses a MET value of 1.5 for standing (compared to 1.0 for sitting still) to estimate energy burned based on your body weight and time on your feet. Compare standing with other daily activities using the Calories Burned Calculator.

Standing Calorie Formula

Calories = T × MET × 3.5 × W / (200 × 60), where T is duration in seconds, W is weight in kilograms, and MET for standing is 1.5. On average, standing burns about 40 kcal more per hour than sitting. For example, a 150 lb (68 kg) person standing for 2 hours burns approximately 214 kcal.

Standing vs. Sitting at Work

Standing desks have become popular for reducing sedentary time. While standing alone won't replace exercise, swapping sitting for standing over an 8-hour workday can add 300+ kcal of weekly expenditure. For meaningful weight loss, combine standing with walking breaks or structured workouts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories do I burn standing?

Standing burns roughly 40 kcal more per hour than sitting. A 150 lb person burns about 107 kcal per hour standing, compared to 71 kcal sitting. Exact values depend on body weight and duration.

Does standing burn more calories than sitting?

Yes. Standing has a MET of 1.5 versus 1.0 for sitting, meaning you burn about 50% more energy per hour while standing, roughly 40 additional calories per hour for most adults.

How many calories do I burn standing for 8 hours?

It depends on weight. A 150 lb person burns about 850 kcal in 8 hours of standing; a 200 lb person burns about 1,150 kcal. Prolonged standing without breaks can cause discomfort, so alternate positions.

Is standing enough for weight loss?

Standing alone provides a modest calorie boost. For significant weight loss, combine standing with walking, cardio, or strength training. Walking burns roughly 290 kcal per hour for a 160 lb person.

What MET value is used for standing?

Standing has a MET of 1.5 according to the Compendium of Physical Activities, meaning it requires 1.5 times the energy of sitting quietly (MET 1.0).