Understanding This Calculator
The Basketball Calculator estimates energy expenditure using MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) values, the standard the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) uses to quantify exercise intensity. One MET equals the energy cost of sitting quietly — roughly 1 kcal per kg of body weight per hour.
Because calorie burn scales directly with body mass, two people doing the same basketball session at the same intensity will burn different amounts of energy — heavier bodies expend more calories moving the same distance or performing the same work.
- MET activity intensity value from the ACSM Compendium of Physical Activities
- kg body weight converted from pounds (lb ÷ 2.20462)
- hr session duration in hours (minutes ÷ 60)
| Intensity | MET | Calories per 30 min (70kg person) |
|---|---|---|
| Game play (general) | 6.5 | 228 kcal |
| Competitive game | 8.0 | 280 kcal |
| Shooting drills | 4.5 | 158 kcal |
| Full-court, vigorous | 7.8 | 273 kcal |
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is a MET-based calorie estimate?
MET values are population averages from lab-measured oxygen consumption, so individual results vary ±15-20% based on fitness level, technique, terrain, and true intensity. It’s a reliable planning estimate, not a clinical measurement.
Does body weight really change the calorie count that much?
Yes — the formula is directly proportional to weight. A 200 lb person burns roughly 20% more calories than a 165 lb person doing the identical activity for the identical time, because more mass is being moved.