Start with the movement's energy rate
Different movements have different typical energy costs. Researchers commonly use metabolic equivalent values to compare the energy required by activities, while consumer products translate those rates into more familiar calorie estimates.
Adjust for the profile
BonusBurn scales its neutral exercise rate using the age, sex, height and weight in your profile. If you leave profile fields blank, it uses a neutral reference profile instead. These inputs improve personalisation, but they do not reveal your exact metabolism or effort.
Count the time actually completed
A two-minute estimate should not be awarded for one minute of movement. If you finish early, BonusBurn counts calories only for the time you actually did. Cancelling the burst logs nothing.
Use the number for the right job
The estimate is useful for comparing a short walk with a longer one, following your own accumulation, and setting a modest daily target. It is not a food prescription, a medical measurement, or a promise of weight change.
Why two people can see different results
Profile inputs, actual duration, pace, technique, fitness, body composition and sensor availability can all affect a result. Even a carefully modelled figure should stay labelled as estimated.