Calories Burned Badminton
Calculate how many calories you burn during badminton. Personalized results based on your weight and exercise duration using a scientifically validated MET value of 5.5.
Badminton Calorie Calculator
Badminton for 30 minutes
200 kcal
MET 5.5 · 73 kg · 399 kcal/hour
Calories Burned by Duration (Badminton)
How many calories you burn during badminton at different durations, based on your current weight of 160 lbs.
Calories Burned Badminton by Body Weight
The table below shows estimated calories burned during badminton for different body weights. Heavier individuals burn more calories because moving a larger body requires more energy.
| Body Weight | 30 Minutes | 60 Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| 120 lbs (54 kg) | 150 kcal | 299 kcal |
| 140 lbs (64 kg) | 175 kcal | 349 kcal |
| 160 lbs (73 kg) | 200 kcal | 399 kcal |
| 180 lbs (82 kg) | 225 kcal | 449 kcal |
| 200 lbs (91 kg) | 249 kcal | 499 kcal |
| 220 lbs (100 kg) | 274 kcal | 549 kcal |
| 250 lbs (113 kg) | 312 kcal | 624 kcal |
What 200 Calories Looks Like in Food
After 30 minutes of badminton, you would have burned the equivalent of:
2.6x Egg
78 cal each
2.1x Apple
95 cal each
1.9x Banana
105 cal each
1.6x Glass of Wine
125 cal each
1.4x Can of Soda
140 cal each
1x Bowl of Rice
206 cal each
About Badminton and Calorie Burn
Badminton is a fast-paced racquet sport that requires quick reflexes, agility, and sustained movement. The shuttlecock can travel at speeds exceeding 200 mph in professional play, making badminton one of the fastest racquet sports. Players perform lunges, jumps, and rapid directional changes throughout a match. Despite being perceived as a leisurely backyard activity, competitive badminton is extremely demanding, providing excellent cardiovascular conditioning and full-body muscle engagement.
Understanding the MET Value
Badminton has a MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) value of 5.5. This means badminton burns 5.5 times more energy than sitting at rest. The formula used is: Calories = MET x Weight (kg) x Duration (hours). For example, a 70 kg person doing badminton for 1 hour would burn approximately 385 calories. MET values are sourced from the Compendium of Physical Activities, the gold standard reference for exercise energy expenditure research.
Tips to Maximize Your Badminton Calorie Burn
- Use a proper badminton grip (not a tennis grip) for better control and wrist snap
- Position yourself in the center of the court after each shot for optimal coverage
- Develop your footwork: a proper lunge and recovery step is essential for court coverage
- Practice overhead clears and drop shots to develop court control and rally skills
- Wear non-marking court shoes with good lateral support for quick direction changes
Muscles Worked During Badminton
Category
Sports
Intensity
Moderate
MET Value
5.5
Equipment
Badminton racket, shuttlecock, net
How We Calculate Calories Burned During Badminton
Our badminton calorie calculator uses the MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) formula, the same method used by exercise physiologists and health researchers worldwide. The formula is straightforward:
Calories = MET x Body Weight (kg) x Duration (hours)
For badminton with a MET value of 5.5, the calculation works as follows: If you weigh 160 lbs (72.6 kg) and do badminton for 30 minutes (0.5 hours), you would burn approximately 200 calories.
Keep in mind that actual calorie expenditure can vary by 15-20% based on factors like fitness level, exercise intensity, environmental conditions, and individual metabolic differences. The MET value of 5.5 for badminton represents an average across typical conditions and effort levels. Your actual burn may be higher or lower depending on how vigorously you perform the activity.
Badminton vs. Other Activities
See how badminton compares to other popular exercises in terms of calorie burn for a 160-lb person exercising for 30 minutes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories does badminton burn in 30 minutes?
A person weighing 160 lbs (73 kg) burns approximately 200 calories during 30 minutes of badminton. This is based on a MET value of 5.5. Heavier individuals burn more calories, and lighter individuals burn fewer.
What is the MET value of badminton?
The MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) value for badminton is 5.5. This means badminton burns 5.5 times more energy than sitting at rest. MET values are established by the Compendium of Physical Activities and represent average energy expenditure for the activity.
Is badminton good for weight loss?
Badminton has a MET value of 5.5, which means it burns a moderate amount of calories. A 160-lb person burns about 399 calories per hour. While not the highest calorie-burning activity, consistency is key for weight loss. Regular badminton combined with a calorie-controlled diet can contribute to gradual, healthy weight loss.
How does body weight affect calories burned during badminton?
Body weight significantly impacts calorie burn during badminton. A 120-lb person burns about 150 calories in 30 minutes, while a 250-lb person burns approximately 312 calories in the same time. This is because moving a heavier body requires more energy, regardless of the activity being performed.
What muscles does badminton work?
Badminton primarily works the Quadriceps, Calves, Hamstrings, Shoulders, Forearms, and Core. Regular practice helps strengthen these muscle groups and improve overall fitness.