Burpee Workout Calories Burned Calculator
Calculate calories burned during burpee workouts with scientific MET analysis across different intensity levels

How Many Calories Do Burpee Workouts Burn?
Burpee workouts burn between 200-600 calories per hour, depending on the specific intensity and performance level. For a 150-pound person, light burpee workouts can burn approximately 300-350 calories per hour, while vigorous burpee sessions can burn up to 500-600 calories per hour. Moderate burpee activities typically burn around 400-450 calories per hour, making burpees one of the most effective bodyweight exercises for calorie burn and full-body conditioning.
💪 Burpee Workout Intensity Levels
Burpee workouts are classified by intensity levels based on movement speed, rest intervals, and perceived effort. Each intensity level corresponds to specific MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) values that determine calorie burn rates. Understanding these levels helps you choose the right burpee workout intensity for your fitness goals.
Light Effort Zone
3.8 METsRest Intervals: 30-45 seconds between sets
Effort Level: Controlled, conversational pace
Best For: Beginners, form practice, active recovery
Benefits: Builds proper technique, develops basic strength
Moderate Effort Zone
7.5 METsRest Intervals: 20-30 seconds between sets
Effort Level: Steady pace, increased breathing
Best For: Building endurance, fat loss
Benefits: Improved cardiovascular fitness, muscle toning
Vigorous Effort Zone
9.0 METsRest Intervals: 10-20 seconds between sets
Effort Level: High-intensity, challenging
Best For: Advanced athletes, HIIT training
Benefits: Maximum calorie burn, explosive power development
Understanding MET Values in Burpee Workouts
MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) measures the energy cost of physical activities compared to resting. A MET value of 1 equals the energy expenditure at rest. Higher MET values indicate more intense activities that burn more calories. Burpee workouts range from 3.8 METs (light effort) to 9.0 METs (vigorous effort), making them an excellent choice for various fitness levels and goals.
⚡ Factors Affecting Burpee Calorie Burn
Burpee Workout Calorie Burn by Intensity Level
Intensity Level & Description | MET Value | Calories/Hour (130 lb) | Calories/Hour (150 lb) | Calories/Hour (180 lb) | Intensity Classification |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Light Effort: Controlled pace (8-12 burpees/min) | 3.8 | 236 cal | 271 cal | 307 cal | Light |
Moderate Effort: Steady rhythm (12-18 burpees/min) | 7.5 | 465 cal | 536 cal | 607 cal | Moderate-Vigorous |
Vigorous Effort: High intensity (18-25 burpees/min) | 9.0 | 558 cal | 644 cal | 730 cal | Vigorous |
Note: Calorie values based on scientific MET data from the Compendium of Physical Activities. Values shown are for moderate effort levels. Actual calorie burn may vary based on individual technique, rest intervals, and workout structure.
How Many Calories Do Burpee Workouts Burn Over Time?
⏱️ Time-Based Burpee Calorie Estimates
The time spent performing burpee exercises directly impacts total calorie expenditure. These estimates are based on moderate burpee effort (7.5 METs) with steady rhythm, providing reliable estimates for fitness planning and workout scheduling. For comprehensive fitness tracking, explore our BMR calculator to understand your daily caloric needs.
Time | 130 lb (59 kg) | 150 lb (68 kg) | 175 lb (79 kg) | 200 lb (91 kg) | 225 lb (102 kg) | 250 lb (113 kg) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5 mins | 39 cal | 45 cal | 52 cal | 58 cal | 65 cal | 72 cal |
10 mins | 78 cal | 89 cal | 103 cal | 117 cal | 131 cal | 145 cal |
15 mins | 117 cal | 134 cal | 155 cal | 176 cal | 197 cal | 218 cal |
20 mins | 155 cal | 179 cal | 206 cal | 234 cal | 262 cal | 291 cal |
30 mins | 233 cal | 269 cal | 310 cal | 351 cal | 393 cal | 436 cal |
Note: Values based on moderate burpee effort (7.5 METs) with steady rhythm. Higher intensity burpee workouts can burn 50-100% more calories.
Burpee Workout Formula & Scientific Methodology
🔬 The Scientific Calculation Method
Primary Formula: Calories = (MET × 3.5 × Weight in kg × Time in minutes) / 200
Where:
• MET: Metabolic Equivalent from Compendium of Physical Activities
• 3.5: Resting oxygen consumption constant (ml/kg/min)
• Weight: Your body weight in kilograms
• Time: Duration in minutes
• 200: Caloric conversion factor
This formula provides scientifically accurate estimates based on validated research methods used in exercise physiology studies.
Advanced Burpee Performance & Health Benefits
💪 Burpee for Strength and Cardiovascular Health
Full-Body Conditioning: Burpee workouts engage over 85% of the body’s muscles, providing comprehensive functional strength training.
The compound movements build explosive power and muscular endurance that translates to real-world activities. Research from the Compendium of Physical Activities shows that
burpee training significantly improves overall athletic performance and metabolic capacity.
Cardiovascular Benefits: Burpee workouts elevate heart rate to cardiovascular training zones while providing joint-friendly exercise.
The combination of high-intensity intervals and full-body engagement creates an excellent cardio workout that improves VO2 max and cardiovascular endurance.
🏋️ Burpee Movement Patterns and Energy Expenditure
Standard Burpees: Traditional burpee pattern provides steady-state cardio with moderate calorie burn. Perfect for building endurance and proper form.
Burpee Variations: Adding jumps, push-ups, or mountain climbers increases intensity and calorie burn. Each variation engages muscles from different angles.
Burpee Intervals: Short, intense burpee bursts with rest periods maximize metabolic impact and calorie burn per minute.
📊 Burpee Workout Intensity Standards
Foundation Zone (Light): 3.8 METs – Perfect for beginners, focus on proper technique and consistency. Build basic strength and coordination.
Development Zone (Moderate): 7.5 METs – Steady pace with controlled breathing and proper form. Improve endurance and muscle toning.
Peak Performance Zone (Vigorous): 9.0 METs – Maximum effort, explosive movements. High-intensity training for advanced athletes.
Burpee Workout FAQs
❓ How accurate is the burpee calorie calculator?
Our calculator uses the scientifically validated formula: Calories = (MET × 3.5 × Weight in kg × Time in minutes) / 200, combined with research-based MET values from the Compendium of Physical Activities. This provides accuracy within 10-15% for most individuals, which is comparable to laboratory measurements. The calculations are based on extensive burpee research and validated MET compendiums.
🔥 Which burpee intensity burns the most calories?
Vigorous burpee workouts (9.0 METs) burn the most calories, reaching up to 600 calories per hour. Moderate effort burpees (7.5 METs) also provide excellent calorie burn while being more sustainable for longer sessions. However, always prioritize proper form over speed to prevent injury and maximize benefits.
⚖️ How does body weight affect burpee calories?
Body weight directly affects burpee calorie burn through increased energy requirements for movement and power generation. The relationship is linear: a 20% increase in body weight typically results in approximately 20% more calories burned for the same burpee intensity and duration.
🕒 How long should burpee workouts be?
For optimal results, aim for 10-20 minute burpee sessions, 3-4 times per week. Beginners should start with 5-10 minutes at lower intensities, gradually increasing duration and complexity as fitness improves. The key is maintaining proper form and allowing adequate recovery between sessions.
🌿 Are burpees good for weight loss?
Yes! Burpee workouts are highly effective for weight loss due to their high-intensity nature and full-body engagement. The combination of cardio and strength training creates significant calorie burn and boosts metabolism. When combined with proper nutrition, burpee workouts can be a powerful tool for sustainable weight loss.
📱 How can I maximize calorie burn during burpees?
To maximize calorie burn: 1) Use maximum intensity with explosive movements, 2) Minimize rest periods between sets, 3) Incorporate variations like jumps or push-ups, 4) Maintain proper technique to engage more muscle groups, 5) Combine with other high-intensity exercises for circuit training. High-intensity burpee sessions can burn up to 15-20 calories per minute.
⚕️ Burpee Workout & Fitness Safety Disclaimer
This burpee workout calorie calculator provides estimates based on scientific formulas and should not replace professional medical advice or exercise guidance. Calorie estimates are most accurate when combined with comprehensive health assessments including cardiovascular health, musculoskeletal fitness, and metabolic rate measurements. Individual results may vary due to genetic factors, health conditions, medications, burpee technique, workout intensity, equipment quality, and environmental factors. The intensity guidelines are based on population studies and may not apply to all individuals. When beginning new burpee workouts, start gradually and progress slowly to prevent injury. Use proper burpee form, wear appropriate athletic shoes, stay hydrated, and take breaks in extreme conditions. Consult with healthcare professionals and certified fitness specialists before beginning intensive burpee programs, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions, injuries, or joint problems. This tool is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for exercise or health decisions.
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References
- Polevoy G, Cazan F, Padulo J, Ardigò LP. The Influence of Burpee on Endurance and Short-Term Memory of Adolescents. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Sep 18;19(18):11778. doi: 10.3390/ijerph191811778. PMID: 36142051; PMCID: PMC9517252.
- Mayr-Ojeda, Erika & de Souza Castro, Flávio & Reich, Micaela & Astorino, Todd & Benítez Flores, Stefano. (2022). Burpee Interval Training Is Associated With a More Favorable Affective Valence and Psychological Response Than Traditional High Intensity Exercise. Perceptual and Motor Skills. 10.1177/00315125221083180.
- Šiska, Ľ., Balint, G., Židek, D., Sedlacek, J., Tkacik, Š., & Balint, N. T. (2024). The Relationship Between the Burpee Movement Program and Strength and Endurance Performance Measures in Active Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Analysis. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology, 9(4), 197. https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk9040197
- Kin Isler, Ayse & Koşar, Nazan. (2006). Effect of Step Aerobics Training on Anaerobic Performance of Men and Women. Journal of strength and conditioning research / National Strength & Conditioning Association. 20. 366-71. 10.1519/R-16144.1.
- Conger SA, Herrmann SD, Willis EA, Nightingale TE, Sherman JR, Ainsworth BE. 2024 Wheelchair Compendium of Physical Activities: An update of activity codes and energy expenditure values. Journal of Sport and Health Science, 2024;13(1): 18-23.
- Herrmann SD, Willis EA, Ainsworth BE, Barreira TV, Hastert M, Kracht CL, Schuna Jr. JM, Cai Z, Quan M, Tudor-Locke C, Whitt-Glover MC, Jacobs DR. 2024 Adult Compendium of Physical Activities: A third update of the energy costs of human activities. Journal of Sport and Health Science, 2024;13(1): 6-12.

Manish is a NASM-certified fitness and nutrition coach with over 10 years of experience in weight lifting and fat loss fitness coaching. He specializes in gym-based training and has a lot of knowledge about exercise, lifting technique, biomechanics, and more.
Through “Fit Life Regime,” he generously shares the insights he’s gained over a decade in the field. His goal is to equip others with the knowledge to start their own fitness journey.