The short answer
BMR (basal metabolic rate) measures calorie burn under strict laboratory conditions—typically right after waking from an overnight stay—while RMR (resting metabolic rate) measures calorie burn at rest under practical, relaxed conditions. For most people the two numbers are very similar.
Because BMR testing requires such tightly controlled conditions, RMR is the measurement used in real-world fitness, nutrition and clinical settings. RMR is often slightly higher than BMR because it includes a little more everyday activity before the test.
Which one do you need?
For setting calorie targets, an RMR test gives you everything you need. Body Fat USA measures RMR with indirect calorimetry for $100. Book an RMR test
Related questions
Body Fat USA offers $85 DEXA body composition scans and $100 RMR metabolic tests in Denver (both for $175), with reports emailed in about 5 minutes. See all FAQs
