Calories Burned Swimming Calculator

Estimate calories burned swimming by stroke, time and body weight. Example: a 154 lb (70 kg) swimmer doing easy freestyle for 45 minutes burns about 304 calories.

How to use the Calories Burned Swimming Calculator

1. Enter the values in the fields.
2. Press Calculate to see the result with the steps shown.

Formula and method

Calories = MET x weight (kg) x hours. MET values: backstroke 4.8, freestyle light 5.8, leisure 6.0, freestyle fast 9.8, breaststroke 10.3, butterfly 13.8.

Calories burned swimming per hour

Stroke,MET,130 lb,160 lb,190 lb,Backstroke,4.8,283,348,414,Freestyle, light to moderate,5.8,342,421,500,Leisurely swimming,6,354,435,517,Freestyle, fast,9.8,578,711,845,Breaststroke,10.3,607,748,888,Butterfly,13.8,814,1002,1189

Swimming versus other exercise

Activity (1 hour, 160 lb),Calories,Swimming, freestyle moderate,421,Cycling 12 to 14 mph,581,Running 6 mph,711,Walking 3.5 mph,312

Why swimming is joint-friendly

Water supports body weight, so swimming is a good option for people with joint pain, injuries or higher body weight.

Cautions

This calculator gives estimates for education and fitness planning, not medical advice. Check with your doctor before major changes to exercise or diet, especially if you have a medical condition.

Frequently asked questions

How many calories does swimming burn?

About 400 to 700 per hour depending on stroke and effort.

Which stroke burns the most?

Butterfly, then breaststroke and fast freestyle.

Is swimming good for weight loss?

Yes, though water can raise appetite.

Does water temperature matter?

Cooler water increases energy use slightly.

How accurate is this?

Within about 15 to 20%.

How long should I swim?

150 minutes a week of moderate activity is the general target.

Sources

• Compendium of Physical Activities
• CDC: Physical activity guidelines

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