Ice Skating Calories Burned Calculator
Calculate ice skating calories burned by body weight and duration. Uses a MET estimate of 7 with quick 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 minute tables.
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Ice Skating calories: quick answer and calculator
At your current setting of 160 lb and ice skating at MET 7, choose a common duration or jump straight to the calculator.
15 min
133
kcal
30 min
267
kcal
60 min
533
kcal
Ice Skating Calorie Calculator
Ice Skating for 30 minutes
267 kcal
MET 7 · 73 kg · 533 kcal/hour
Quick Answer: Ice Skating Calories for 15, 30 and 60 Minutes
Using ice skating at MET 7, your current 160 lb setting burns about 133 calories in 15 minutes, 267 calories in 30 minutes, and 533 calories in 60 minutes. These are active-time estimates, so long rests, setup time, or coaching breaks should be logged separately.
15 minutes
133 kcal
Ice Skating at MET 7 for your selected weight of 160 lbs.
30 minutes
267 kcal
Common workout benchmark for ice skating using active time only.
60 minutes
533 kcal
One-hour estimate at MET 7; subtract long rests or inactive coaching time.
160 lb, 30 minutes
267 kcal
Standard comparison row for ice skating at MET 7.
These are planning estimates from the MET equation. Count only active work time when long rests separate sets or rounds.
Calories Burned by Duration (Ice Skating)
How many calories you burn during ice skating at different durations, based on your current weight of 160 lbs.
Calories Burned Ice Skating by Body Weight
The table below shows estimated calories burned during ice skating for different body weights. Heavier individuals burn more calories because moving a larger body requires more energy. Metric benchmark: a 95 kg person burns about 349 kcal in 30 minutes or 698 kcal in 60 minutes at the selected MET value of 7.
| Body Weight | 30 Minutes | 60 Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| 120 lbs (54 kg) | 200 kcal | 400 kcal |
| 140 lbs (64 kg) | 233 kcal | 467 kcal |
| 160 lbs (73 kg) | 267 kcal | 533 kcal |
| 180 lbs (82 kg) | 300 kcal | 600 kcal |
| 200 lbs (91 kg) | 333 kcal | 667 kcal |
| 210 lbs (95 kg) | 350 kcal | 700 kcal |
| 220 lbs (100 kg) | 367 kcal | 733 kcal |
| 250 lbs (113 kg) | 417 kcal | 833 kcal |
What 267 Calories Looks Like in Food
After 30 minutes of ice skating, you would have burned the equivalent of:
3.4x Egg
78 cal each
2.8x Apple
95 cal each
2.5x Banana
105 cal each
2.1x Glass of Wine
125 cal each
1.9x Can of Soda
140 cal each
1.3x Bowl of Rice
206 cal each
About Ice Skating and Calorie Burn
Ice skating is an excellent cardiovascular and lower body workout that burns significant calories while being gentle on joints. The gliding motion works the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and hip abductors while the balance requirement engages core muscles throughout. Ice skating improves coordination, balance, and proprioception. Whether recreational skating at a rink or speed skating, the activity provides a fun alternative to traditional cardio exercises during winter months.
Understanding the MET Value
Ice Skating has a MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) value of 7. This means ice skating burns 7 times more energy than sitting at rest. The formula used is: calories = MET x 3.5 x body weight in kg / 200 x minutes. For example, a 70 kg person doing ice skating for 1 hour would burn approximately 515 calories. MET values are sourced from the Compendium of Physical Activities and should be treated as useful estimates, not exact lab measurements.
Tips to Maximize Your Ice Skating Calorie Burn
- Bend your knees slightly and lean forward for better balance and speed
- Push to the side rather than straight back for more efficient skating strides
- Keep your arms slightly forward and relaxed for balance
- Start by holding the rail and progress to skating independently
- Wear properly fitted skates that support your ankles without being too tight
Muscles Worked During Ice Skating
Category
Winter Sports
Intensity
Moderate-High
MET Value
7
Equipment
Ice Skates
How We Calculate Calories Burned During Ice Skating
Our ice skating calorie calculator uses the standard MET oxygen-cost equation, a common method used in exercise science and public-health research. For this calculation we use ice skating at MET 7. The formula is:
Calories = MET x 3.5 x Weight (kg) / 200 x Minutes
For ice skating with a MET value of 7, the calculation works as follows: If you weigh 160 lbs (72.6 kg) and do ice skating for 30 minutes (0.5 hours), you would burn approximately 267 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 selected MET value of 7 for ice skating 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.
Ice Skating vs. Other Activities
See how ice skating compares to other popular exercises in terms of calorie burn for a 160-lb person exercising for 30 minutes.
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View All ActivitiesMethodology & Calorie Burn Data Sources
How we calculate ice skating calorie burn: The MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) value of 7 for ice skating comes from the Compendium of Physical Activities (Ainsworth et al.), a standardized reference used in exercise and public-health research. Calorie expenditure follows the formula: kcal/min = (MET x 3.5 x weight in kg) / 200, then multiplied by duration.
- MET value for ice skating: 7 (low MET = light, 3-6 = moderate, >6 = vigorous per ACSM classification).
- Body weight scaling: heavier individuals burn more calories per minute at the same activity. Our calculator adjusts based on your input weight.
- Duration scaling: linear with time at constant intensity. Real workouts may include warm-up, cool-down, and rest periods affecting average MET.
- Individual variation: actual burn varies ±10-20% based on fitness level, body composition, exercise efficiency, and metabolic rate.
- EPOC (afterburn effect): high-intensity activities may burn additional calories post-workout, but that extra burn varies widely and is not included in baseline figures.
Authoritative US health/fitness sources:
- 2024 Adult Compendium of Physical Activities - activity categories and MET values
- Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans - federal activity guidance
- CDC adult physical activity overview - activity recommendations for adults
Health Disclaimer: Calorie burn estimates are general guidance, not precise measurements. Wearable devices (Apple Watch, Fitbit, Garmin) using heart rate provide more personalized estimates. Always consult a physician before starting an exercise program, especially if you have heart conditions, diabetes, or are pregnant. Never use exercise to "earn" food in a way that disrupts a healthy relationship with eating.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · MET values per Compendium of Physical Activities
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories does ice skating burn in 30 minutes?
A person weighing 160 lbs (73 kg) burns approximately 267 calories during 30 minutes of ice skating. This is based on a MET value of 7 for ice skating. Heavier individuals burn more calories, and lighter individuals burn fewer.
What is the MET value of ice skating?
The default MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) value for ice skating is 7, while the selected training style uses MET 7. This means ice skating burns 7 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 ice skating good for weight loss?
Yes, ice skating can be effective for weight loss when performed intensely enough. With a selected MET value of 7, a 160-lb person burns about 533 calories per hour. Combined with a balanced diet, regular ice skating can help create the calorie deficit needed for weight loss.
How does body weight affect calories burned during ice skating?
Body weight significantly impacts calorie burn during ice skating. At the selected MET value of 7, a 120-lb person burns about 200 calories in 30 minutes, while a 250-lb person burns approximately 417 calories in the same time. This is because moving a heavier body requires more energy, regardless of the activity being performed.
What muscles does ice skating work?
Ice Skating primarily works the Quadriceps, Hamstrings, Glutes, Hip Abductors, Core, and Calves. The high intensity of this exercise also provides significant cardiovascular conditioning.