Related guides
Benchmark data for this discipline
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How many calories does swimming burn?
Swimming typically burns 400–700 calories per hour depending on stroke, intensity, body weight, and swimming efficiency. Butterfly burns the most (up to ~1000 kcal/hr), while recreational swimming burns less.
What are MET values?
MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) measures the energy cost of activity relative to rest. 1 MET equals resting metabolism. Swimming METs range from about 4.8 (backstroke recreational) to 13.8 (butterfly).
Does swimming in a wetsuit burn fewer calories?
Yes, slightly. A wetsuit provides buoyancy that reduces the energy needed to stay afloat and propel forward. This calculator applies approximately a 7% reduction when wetsuit is selected.
Is open-water swimming more demanding than pool swimming?
Yes. Open-water swimming increases energy expenditure by 5–15% due to sighting, navigation, currents, waves, and lack of wall push-offs.
Evidence
References
- 2024 Adult Compendium of Physical Activities
Compendium of Physical Activities
- Compendium of Physical Activities: an update (Ainsworth et al.)
PubMed
This calculator provides estimates based on published exercise science research. Individual responses vary. These outputs are not a substitute for coaching, medical clearance, or your own experience. Always listen to your body and consult a qualified professional before making significant changes to your training.
Related calculators
Keep the next decision close.
Swim Pace Calculator
Swim
Convert swim times into pace, speed, and race splits with context that makes sense for triathletes.
Critical Swim Speed Calculator
Swim
Calculate critical swim speed from two swim efforts and turn it into triathlon-ready threshold pacing guidance.
SWOLF Calculator
Swim
Track SWOLF, stroke count, stroke type, and pool-session pace with watch-aware context that helps triathletes compare scores more honestly.