How accurate is this swimming calorie calculator?

This calculator uses standard MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) values for different swimming strokes. Actual calorie burn varies based on technique efficiency, water temperature, rest intervals, and individual metabolism. Results are estimates for recreational adult swimmers.

Which swimming stroke burns the most calories?

Butterfly burns the most calories (MET 13.8), followed by breaststroke (MET 10.3). Freestyle and backstroke burn similar amounts depending on intensity. Mixed drill work burns the least calories.

What if I'm doing intervals with rest?

Enter only your active swimming time, not rest periods. For interval training, count total minutes of actual swimming. Rest periods don't contribute significantly to calorie burn.

How can I improve my calorie burn while swimming?

To burn more calories: (1) Increase intensity with faster strokes, (2) Try higher-energy strokes like butterfly or breaststroke, (3) Reduce rest intervals, (4) Improve technique to swim longer, (5) Increase session duration gradually.

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Free Tool

Swimming Calories Calculator

Estimate calories burned by swimming stroke for adults. Calculate by duration or distance, and compare with running and cycling.

Your Swimming Session

Enter your details to estimate calories burned

Swimming Stroke

Your Weight

Duration (minutes)

Your Results

Estimated calories burned

327kcal

Estimated Calories Burned

10.9

kcal/min

30.0

minutes

8.3

MET value

Compare with Other Activities(same duration)

Freestyle (moderate/laps)327 kcal

You

Running (easy jog)315 kcal

Running (steady)386 kcal

Cycling (moderate)268 kcal

Cycling (vigorous)315 kcal

Estimates only. Actual energy expenditure varies with technique, water temperature, rest intervals, and individual metabolism.

Frequently Asked Questions

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