MET Minutes
Calculate weekly MET-minutes. WHO recommends 600-1200. Activity planner, health benefit tier.
MET Minutes Calculator
Hit your WHO target. Plan activities. Track weekly MET-min.
✨ Examples — Click to Load
Activities
⚠️For educational and informational purposes only. Verify with a qualified professional.
Answer Capsule
MET-minutes = MET × duration × days/week. WHO: 150-300 min/week moderate = 600-1200 MET-min. Activity METs: walking 3.5, jogging 7.0, running 9.8, cycling 8.0, swimming 7.0. Meeting 600 MET-min reduces all-cause mortality by 20%.
📋 Key Takeaways
- • WHO minimum: 600 MET-min/week. Optimal: 1200+. Reduces mortality ~20%.
- • 1 MET = 3.5 mL O2/kg/min (resting metabolic rate). All activities expressed as multiples.
- • Compendium lists 800+ activities with MET values. Walking 3.5, running 9.8.
- • Mix activities to hit target. 30 min walk × 5 days = 525 MET-min. Add 20 min jog × 2 = 805.
💡 Did You Know?
WHO recommends minimum 600 MET-min/week for health benefits. 1200+ for additional benefits. Based on large epidemiological studies.
— WHO
Compendium of Physical Activities lists 800+ activities with MET values. From sitting (1.0) to sprinting (23.0).
— Compendium
1 MET = 3.5 mL O2/kg/min—resting metabolic rate. A 4 MET activity uses 4× that oxygen uptake.
— ACSM
Meeting 600 MET-min/week reduces all-cause mortality by ~20%. More is better up to a point.
— WHO, Lancet
150 min moderate = 600 MET-min if activity is 4 MET. Brisk walk (4 MET) × 150 min = 600.
— CDC
Vigorous (6+ MET) counts double: 75 min vigorous ≈ 150 min moderate for health benefits.
— WHO
📖 How It Works
MET-Minutes Formula
MET-min = MET value × duration (min) × days per week. Example: Walking (3.5 MET) × 30 min × 5 days = 525 MET-min.
WHO Targets
150-300 min moderate (3-6 MET) or 75-150 min vigorous (6+ MET). Both equate to ~600-1200 MET-min/week.
Activity Planner
Add activities. Each contributes MET × duration × days. Sum for total. Aim 600+ (minimum), 1200+ (optimal).
🎯 Expert Tips
✅ Start Small
15 min walk × 5 days = 263 MET-min. Build up. Consistency beats intensity for beginners.
📊 Mix It Up
Combine cardio + strength. 30 min jog + 20 min strength × 3 days = 720 MET-min. Variety prevents boredom.
⏱️ Track Weekly
One low week is OK. Aim for 600+ most weeks. Use this calculator to plan your week.
🎯 1200 for Optimal
600 is minimum. 1200+ gives additional health benefits. Double your walking or add vigorous sessions.
⚖️ Activity MET Comparison
| Activity | MET | 30 min × 5 days | WHO Target |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walking | 3.5 | 525 | ⚠️ |
| Brisk Walk | 4.3 | 645 | ✅ |
| Jogging | 7.0 | 1050 | ✅ |
| Running | 9.8 | 1470 | ✅ |
📊 Infographic Stats
📚 Official Sources
📸 Screenshot Summary
The Activity Planner lets you add multiple activities (type, duration, days/week). Results show weekly MET-min total, % of WHO target (600), health tier (Below minimum / Getting there / Meets WHO minimum / Optimal), and breakdown by activity. Bar chart and doughnut chart visualize your weekly MET-min distribution and target progress.
⚠️ Disclaimer: MET values are population averages. Individual energy expenditure varies. This calculator is for planning and education. Consult a health professional before starting a new exercise program.