Swimming Calorie Calculator
Calories Burned
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MET Value
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Calories per Hour
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Calories Burned Swimming
Swimming is a full-body workout that burns significant calories while being gentle on joints. Different strokes burn different amounts of energy — butterfly is the most intense at a MET of 13.8, while leisurely swimming has a MET of about 6.0.
The calorie burn formula uses MET values: Calories = MET x weight(kg) x hours. Swimming burns more calories than many land-based exercises because water resistance requires constant muscle engagement, and your body works to maintain temperature in cooler water.
Swimming is especially beneficial for people with joint issues, injuries, or arthritis, as the buoyancy of water reduces stress on the body while still providing excellent cardiovascular and strength training benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories does swimming burn per hour?
Moderate freestyle swimming burns about 400-500 calories per hour for a 155-lb person. Vigorous swimming or butterfly can burn 700-900 calories per hour.
Which swimming stroke burns the most calories?
Butterfly burns the most calories (about 900 calories/hour), followed by freestyle vigorous, breaststroke, backstroke, and leisurely swimming.
Is swimming good for weight loss?
Excellent. Swimming burns lots of calories, builds muscle, and is sustainable long-term due to low joint impact. However, some people feel hungrier after swimming in cold water, which can offset calorie burn.
Does water temperature affect calorie burn?
Yes. Cold water increases calorie burn slightly as your body works to maintain core temperature. However, the effect is modest compared to the exercise itself.