How football calorie burn is estimated
Calorie burn during sports is commonly estimated using MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) values, which describe how many times more energy an activity uses compared to sitting quietly. Football is a variable-intensity sport, so the exact burn depends heavily on how much running, sprinting, and stop-start activity is involved.
The formula used
This calculator uses standard MET values from the widely referenced Compendium of Physical Activities: roughly 7 METs for casual/recreational soccer, 10 METs for competitive match play, 8 METs for flag or touch American football, and 9 METs for tackle or competitive American football. Calories are then calculated as Calories = MET × weight (kg) × time (hours), which is the standard formula used across most fitness calculators and trackers.
This is an estimate for general fitness and planning purposes — actual calorie burn varies with playing position, fitness level, playing surface, weather, and how much of the game is spent actively moving versus standing. It is not a precise clinical or medical measurement.