How many calories does cycling burn per hour?

Cycling burns approximately 400-600 calories per hour at moderate intensity for a 75kg rider. This varies significantly with speed, terrain, wind and bike load. Bikepacking with a loaded bike burns more calories than riding unloaded due to increased rolling resistance and weight.

Does a heavier bike burn more calories?

Yes, a heavier loaded bike increases the energy required, especially on hills. Each additional kilogram of load adds roughly 1-2% extra calorie burn. On flat terrain the effect is smaller, but on hilly routes the difference is significant.

MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) is a measure of exercise intensity. A MET of 1.0 is resting. Moderate cycling is about 6-8 METs, while vigorous cycling can be 10-16 METs. Calories burned = MET x body weight (kg) x duration (hours).

CampCalcs

Cycling Calorie Calculator

Calculate calories burned cycling based on speed, duration, weight and terrain.

Body Weight

Duration

Distance

Optional - for per-km calculation

Bike + Gear Load

Weight of bike and bags

Terrain

Intensity

How We Calculate This

This calculator uses MET (Metabolic Equivalent) values to estimate calorie burn during cycling.

Formula

Calories = MET x Weight (kg) x Duration (hours)

MET values by terrain and intensity

Flat, moderate: 6.8 MET
Rolling hills, moderate: 8.0 MET
Hilly, hard: 14.0 MET
Mountain, very hard: 20.0 MET

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify conditions and use proper safety equipment outdoors.