Standing Calorie Calculator
Estimate how many calories you burn while standing, and how much extra that is compared with sitting, based on your body weight and standing hours.
Calories burned are estimated with METs (metabolic equivalents). Sitting quietly is about 1.3 METs and standing quietly about 1.4 METs, while light standing activity (a standing desk where you shift and move) is closer to 1.8 METs. Calories per hour ≈ MET × weight (kg). Enter your details below.
Your standing calorie estimate will appear here.
Advertisement
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general education only and is not medical advice. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment from a licensed podiatrist or physician. If you have diabetes, an infection, severe pain, numbness, or a wound that will not heal, seek professional care promptly.
Frequently asked questions
- How many extra calories does standing burn?
- Quiet standing burns only slightly more than sitting — often under 10 extra calories an hour for an average adult. The bigger benefit comes from moving and shifting while you stand.
- Will a standing desk help me lose weight?
- On its own, the calorie difference is small. Standing desks are better framed as a way to break up prolonged sitting and reduce stiffness than as a weight-loss tool.
- Is standing all day bad for my feet?
- Prolonged static standing can cause foot, leg and back fatigue. Supportive shoes, an anti-fatigue mat and regular movement help — see our standing-all-day guide.
About this tool
This estimate multiplies a standing MET value by your weight and hours, then subtracts the sitting baseline to show the extra calories. METs are population averages, so treat the result as a guide. The figures are for general wellness, not medical or clinical use.