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How Do Fitness Trackers Measure Calories?

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5 min read
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Best Fitness Trackers to Buy in September 2025

1 Fitbit Inspire 3 Health &-Fitness-Tracker with Stress Management, Workout Intensity, Sleep Tracking, 24/7 Heart Rate and more, Midnight Zen/Black One Size (S & L Bands Included)

Fitbit Inspire 3 Health &-Fitness-Tracker with Stress Management, Workout Intensity, Sleep Tracking, 24/7 Heart Rate and more, Midnight Zen/Black One Size (S & L Bands Included)

  • DAILY READINESS SCORE FOR OPTIMIZED ENERGY AND ACTIVITY TRACKING.
  • STRESS MANAGEMENT TOOLS: MINDFULNESS, BREATHING, AND WELLNESS TRACKING.
  • AUTOMATIC SLEEP TRACKING WITH PERSONALIZED PROFILES FOR BETTER REST.
BUY & SAVE
$79.95 $99.95
Save 20%
Fitbit Inspire 3 Health &-Fitness-Tracker with Stress Management, Workout Intensity, Sleep Tracking, 24/7 Heart Rate and more, Midnight Zen/Black One Size (S & L Bands Included)
2 Fitness Tracker with Heart Rate/Blood Oxygen/Sleep Monitor, 20+ Sports Modes Smart Watches for Women/Men, Activity & Step Tracker Smart Watch for Android/iOS Phones (Black)

Fitness Tracker with Heart Rate/Blood Oxygen/Sleep Monitor, 20+ Sports Modes Smart Watches for Women/Men, Activity & Step Tracker Smart Watch for Android/iOS Phones (Black)

  • 24/7 HEALTH MONITORING: TRACK HEART RATE, BLOOD PRESSURE, AND SLEEP ANYTIME.

  • 25 SPORT MODES: CUSTOMIZE AND RECORD ALL YOUR SPORTS ACTIVITIES EFFORTLESSLY.

  • VIBRANT AMOLED DISPLAY: STUNNING VISUALS ENHANCE YOUR FITNESS TRACKING EXPERIENCE.

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$28.99
Fitness Tracker with Heart Rate/Blood Oxygen/Sleep Monitor, 20+ Sports Modes Smart Watches for Women/Men, Activity & Step Tracker Smart Watch for Android/iOS Phones (Black)
3 Smart Watch for Men Women with Bluetooth Calls, 1.83" HD Touchscreen Fitness Tracker, 110+ Sport Modes, Heart Rate/Sleep/Spo2 Monitor/Pedometer, IP68 Waterproof, Silver Gray

Smart Watch for Men Women with Bluetooth Calls, 1.83" HD Touchscreen Fitness Tracker, 110+ Sport Modes, Heart Rate/Sleep/Spo2 Monitor/Pedometer, IP68 Waterproof, Silver Gray

  • MAKE CALLS & RECEIVE NOTIFICATIONS DIRECTLY ON YOUR WRIST ANYTIME!

  • 110+ SPORTS MODES AND IP68 WATERPROOF FOR ALL YOUR ADVENTURES!

  • ADVANCED HEALTH MONITORING FOR SMARTER TRAINING AND LIFESTYLE CHOICES!

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$219.99
Smart Watch for Men Women with Bluetooth Calls, 1.83" HD Touchscreen Fitness Tracker, 110+ Sport Modes, Heart Rate/Sleep/Spo2 Monitor/Pedometer, IP68 Waterproof, Silver Gray
4 Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker with Google apps, Heart Rate on Exercise Equipment, 6-Months Premium Membership Included, GPS, Health Tools and More, Obsidian/Black, One Size (S & L Bands Included)

Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker with Google apps, Heart Rate on Exercise Equipment, 6-Months Premium Membership Included, GPS, Health Tools and More, Obsidian/Black, One Size (S & L Bands Included)

  • SEAMLESS TURN-BY-TURN NAVIGATION WITH GOOGLE MAPS ON FITBIT CHARGE 6.
  • EFFORTLESS SNACK BREAKS: TAP TO PAY WITH GOOGLE WALLET ON THE GO.
  • ELEVATE YOUR OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE WITH SMART FEATURES FOR ACTIVE LIFESTYLES.
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$134.49 $159.95
Save 16%
Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker with Google apps, Heart Rate on Exercise Equipment, 6-Months Premium Membership Included, GPS, Health Tools and More, Obsidian/Black, One Size (S & L Bands Included)
5 Smart Watch with Alexa Built-in, 1.83" HD Touchscreen & Fitness Tracker with Message Call Function, 24/7 Heart Rate/Sleep Monitor, 120+ Sport Modes, IP68 Waterproof, for Android iPhone (Black)

Smart Watch with Alexa Built-in, 1.83" HD Touchscreen & Fitness Tracker with Message Call Function, 24/7 Heart Rate/Sleep Monitor, 120+ Sport Modes, IP68 Waterproof, for Android iPhone (Black)

  • CONTROL YOUR DAY: USE ALEXA FOR MUSIC, WEATHER, AND ALARMS HANDS-FREE!

  • STAY CONNECTED: BLUETOOTH CALLS AND MESSAGE ALERTS RIGHT ON YOUR WRIST.

  • TRACK FITNESS: CHOOSE FROM 100 SPORTS MODES FOR ALL YOUR ACTIVITIES!

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$31.99 $199.99
Save 84%
Smart Watch with Alexa Built-in, 1.83" HD Touchscreen & Fitness Tracker with Message Call Function, 24/7 Heart Rate/Sleep Monitor, 120+ Sport Modes, IP68 Waterproof, for Android iPhone (Black)
6 Fitbit Versa 4 Fitness Smartwatch with Daily Readiness, GPS, 24/7 Heart Rate, 40+ Exercise Modes, Sleep Tracking and more, Black/Graphite, One Size (S & L Bands Included)

Fitbit Versa 4 Fitness Smartwatch with Daily Readiness, GPS, 24/7 Heart Rate, 40+ Exercise Modes, Sleep Tracking and more, Black/Graphite, One Size (S & L Bands Included)

  • STAY MOTIVATED WITH DAILY INSIGHTS AND WORKOUTS DESIGNED FOR YOU.
  • TRACK YOUR FITNESS JOURNEY WITH 40+ MODES AND REAL-TIME STATS.
  • ENHANCE MENTAL WELLNESS WITH STRESS MANAGEMENT AND SLEEP TOOLS.
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$149.00 $199.95
Save 25%
Fitbit Versa 4 Fitness Smartwatch with Daily Readiness, GPS, 24/7 Heart Rate, 40+ Exercise Modes, Sleep Tracking and more, Black/Graphite, One Size (S & L Bands Included)
7 Apple Watch Series 10 [GPS 46mm case] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminium Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Fitness Tracker, ECG App, Always-On Retina Display, Water Resistant

Apple Watch Series 10 [GPS 46mm case] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminium Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Fitness Tracker, ECG App, Always-On Retina Display, Water Resistant

  • LARGER DISPLAY & LIGHTER DESIGN: ENJOY 30% MORE SCREEN SPACE!
  • ADVANCED HEALTH TRACKING: ECG, HEART ALERTS, AND SLEEP METRICS.
  • INNOVATIVE SAFETY FEATURES: FALL AND CRASH DETECTION FOR PEACE OF MIND.
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$359.00 $429.00
Save 16%
Apple Watch Series 10 [GPS 46mm case] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminium Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Fitness Tracker, ECG App, Always-On Retina Display, Water Resistant
8 Smart Watch for Men Women, 1.85" TFT-Touch Screen Smartwatch with Call Function, 112 Sport Modes, Fitness Tracker with 24/7 Heart Rate/Sleep Monitor, IP68 Waterproof, Fitness Watch for Android/iOS

Smart Watch for Men Women, 1.85" TFT-Touch Screen Smartwatch with Call Function, 112 Sport Modes, Fitness Tracker with 24/7 Heart Rate/Sleep Monitor, IP68 Waterproof, Fitness Watch for Android/iOS

  • CUSTOMIZABLE 1.85 TOUCH SCREEN: ENHANCE YOUR STYLE WITH UNIQUE WATCH FACES!

  • ACCURATE HEALTH MONITORING: TRACK HEART RATE AND SLEEP FOR BETTER WELLNESS!

  • 112 SPORT MODES & IP68 WATERPROOF: PERFECT FOR EVERY ACTIVITY AND ENVIRONMENT!

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$19.99 $159.99
Save 88%
Smart Watch for Men Women, 1.85" TFT-Touch Screen Smartwatch with Call Function, 112 Sport Modes, Fitness Tracker with 24/7 Heart Rate/Sleep Monitor, IP68 Waterproof, Fitness Watch for Android/iOS
9 Smart Watch with Alexa Built-in, 1.83" HD Touchscreen, Bluetooth Calling Fitness Tracker, Health Monitor Heart Rate/Sleep Tracking, IP68 Waterproof, 120+ Sports Modes for Android iPhone (Black)

Smart Watch with Alexa Built-in, 1.83" HD Touchscreen, Bluetooth Calling Fitness Tracker, Health Monitor Heart Rate/Sleep Tracking, IP68 Waterproof, 120+ Sports Modes for Android iPhone (Black)

  • CONTROL ALEXA, MUSIC, AND REMINDERS HANDS-FREE FROM YOUR WRIST!
  • MAKE BLUETOOTH CALLS DIRECTLY FROM THE WATCH-STAY CONNECTED EASILY.
  • 120+ SPORTS MODES WITH REAL-TIME TRACKING FOR ALL FITNESS LEVELS!
BUY & SAVE
$25.99 $29.99
Save 13%
Smart Watch with Alexa Built-in, 1.83" HD Touchscreen, Bluetooth Calling Fitness Tracker, Health Monitor Heart Rate/Sleep Tracking, IP68 Waterproof, 120+ Sports Modes for Android iPhone (Black)
10 Fitness Tracker with 24/7 Heart Rate Blood Oxygen Sleep Monitor,Activity Tracker with 1.1" AMOLED Touch Color Screen, Multiple Sport Modes Step Counter,IP68 Waterproof for Women Men (Dark Black)

Fitness Tracker with 24/7 Heart Rate Blood Oxygen Sleep Monitor,Activity Tracker with 1.1" AMOLED Touch Color Screen, Multiple Sport Modes Step Counter,IP68 Waterproof for Women Men (Dark Black)

  • 24/7 HEALTH TRACKING: MONITOR HEART RATE, BLOOD OXYGEN & SLEEP QUALITY DAILY.

  • ALL-DAY ACTIVITY ANALYSIS: AUTOMATICALLY TRACK STEPS, DISTANCE & CALORIES BURNED.

  • CUSTOMIZABLE AMOLED DISPLAY: PERSONALIZE YOUR TRACKER WITH 70+ UNIQUE WATCH FACES.

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$28.99
Fitness Tracker with 24/7 Heart Rate Blood Oxygen Sleep Monitor,Activity Tracker with 1.1" AMOLED Touch Color Screen, Multiple Sport Modes Step Counter,IP68 Waterproof for Women Men (Dark Black)
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ONE MORE?

Fitness trackers use various sensors and algorithms to estimate the number of calories burned during physical activities. These devices typically measure calories by incorporating the following components and techniques:

  1. Accelerometer: Fitness trackers contain an accelerometer, which tracks your body's movement in multiple directions. It measures the acceleration forces exerted on the device as you move. By calculating the frequency, intensity, and duration of your movements, the tracker estimates the energy expenditure associated with physical activity.
  2. Heart Rate Monitor: Many fitness trackers also include a heart rate monitor. They utilize an optical sensor or electrodes to measure your heart rate continuously. By combining heart rate data with body movement information, these devices provide more accurate estimates of calories burned during activities that involve different heart rate zones, such as high-intensity workouts.
  3. Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR): BMR refers to the number of calories your body burns at rest to maintain basic physiological functions, such as breathing and digestion. Fitness trackers often require information like age, gender, weight, and height to determine your BMR. This baseline metabolic rate is then used as a starting point for calculating the calories burned during activities.
  4. Machine Learning Algorithms: Fitness trackers employ sophisticated algorithms that consider a combination of sensor data, BMR, and user information to estimate calories burned. These algorithms continuously learn and improve over time. The more data the device collects, the better it becomes at predicting the energy expenditure associated with specific activities.

It is important to note that fitness trackers provide estimates rather than precise measurements of calorie burn. These estimates rely on statistical models and may have inherent inaccuracies due to variations in individual physiology, device limitations, and other factors. Nevertheless, they offer valuable insights and trends, helping users track their overall activity levels and make informed decisions about their exercise and lifestyle choices.

What types of sensors do fitness trackers use to measure calories?

Fitness trackers typically use a combination of sensors to measure calories. Some of the common sensors used include:

  1. Accelerometer: Most fitness trackers include an accelerometer which measures acceleration and movement. It helps in determining the intensity and duration of physical activities such as walking, running, or cycling.
  2. Heart Rate Monitor: Many fitness trackers have built-in heart rate monitors that measure the user's heart rate. By tracking the heart rate during exercise, the device can estimate calorie expenditure more accurately.
  3. GPS: Some advanced fitness trackers include GPS technology that tracks the user's location and movement. It helps in tracking outdoor activities like running or cycling and can provide more accurate data for calorie calculations.
  4. Gyroscope: Gyroscopes can measure rotation and orientation. They contribute to the detection of specific movements and types of exercises such as swimming or weightlifting.
  5. Skin Temperature and Galvanic Skin Response (GSR): These sensors are less common but are occasionally used to estimate calorie expenditure. They measure factors like body temperature and perspiration levels to calculate the intensity of physical activity.

It is important to note that different fitness trackers may use various combinations of these sensors, and their accuracy in measuring calories can vary.

How do fitness trackers differentiate between moderate and vigorous exercise for calorie calculations?

Fitness trackers differentiate between moderate and vigorous exercise for calorie calculations using a combination of factors and algorithms. The exact method may vary depending on the brand and model of the fitness tracker, but generally, the following factors are taken into account:

  1. Heart Rate: Most fitness trackers monitor your heart rate during exercise through sensors on the device or a connected heart rate monitor. By measuring the intensity of your heart rate, they can estimate the level of effort you are putting into the exercise. Higher heart rates generally signify more vigorous activity.
  2. Accelerometer and Gyroscope: Fitness trackers also utilize built-in accelerometers and gyroscopes to measure movement and detect patterns associated with different exercise intensities. They can track changes in speed, intensity, and direction of movement to get an idea of the intensity level.
  3. Personal Information: When setting up a fitness tracker, users typically input their age, weight, height, and gender. These factors are considered when calculating calories burned during exercise. Different intensity levels may have different metabolic rates for individuals of varying characteristics.
  4. Compendium of Physical Activities: Many fitness trackers use databases such as the Compendium of Physical Activities to match an individual's activity with standardized metabolic equivalent (MET) values. MET is a unit that estimates the amount of energy expended during physical activities. Moderate and vigorous activities have different MET values, allowing trackers to differentiate between them.

Based on these factors, fitness trackers can estimate the intensity level of exercise and provide calorie calculations according to the specific metabolic demands of the activity. However, it's important to note that these estimations are not always 100% accurate and can vary depending on the individual and the quality of the tracker.

Do fitness trackers accurately measure calories burned during activities that involve resistance, such as rowing or using resistance bands?

Fitness trackers may not accurately measure calories burned during activities that involve resistance, such as rowing or using resistance bands. Most fitness trackers rely on algorithms and basic measurements like heart rate, steps, and movement patterns to estimate calorie burn. However, they may not take into account factors like muscle engagement, intensity, and individual differences.

During activities involving resistance, the fitness tracker may not accurately perceive the effort put into the exercise due to the lack of specific sensors to measure muscle engagement or resistance level. As a result, the estimated calorie burn could be inaccurate or underestimated.

For more accurate measurements during resistance-based activities, devices like heart rate monitors or specialized fitness trackers designed for specific sports (e.g., rowing, weightlifting) may be more suitable. These devices often provide more accurate data by focusing on specific metrics relevant to the activity, such as power output, muscle fatigue, or workload.