I can never get these calculations to match my actual experience. I seem to need fewer calories than the calculators say I should and burn fewer than they say I do. About 12 years ago I needed to lose some weight, about 25 pounds. The calculators were helpful for giving me a sense of what to aim for. When I realized I couldn't eat what they said I could, I adjusted downward until I found the sweet spot. I lost 20 pounds and maintained that for 12 years. Never could drop that last 5 pounds. Until now. I started bike commuting 12 miles r/t each day back in September. I haven't changed anything else and the five pounds is gone. Just like that.