Calorie Calculator for Scuba Diving
Estimate how many calories you burn during a scuba dive. Enter your weight, dive duration, and intensity level for an instant result based on the MET system.
Dive data
Dive intensity
Cold water
Adds 15% for heat loss in cold water
Results
How many calories does scuba diving burn?
Scuba diving is a surprisingly effective calorie burner. Depending on intensity, water temperature, and your body weight, a single dive can burn anywhere from 300 to 700 calories per hour. This calculator uses the MET system (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) to give you a personalised estimate.
What is a MET value?
MET stands for Metabolic Equivalent of Task. A MET value of 1 represents the energy your body uses at rest. Scuba diving typically ranges from MET 6 (light recreational diving) to MET 9 (strenuous diving with strong currents). The formula is: Calories = MET × Weight (kg) × Time (hours).
Why does cold water increase calorie burn?
In cold water your body works harder to maintain its core temperature, even with proper thermal protection like a drysuit. Studies show this can increase energy expenditure by 10–25%. This calculator applies a 15% correction when cold water is selected – a conservative middle estimate.
Example calculation
A diver weighing 80 kg on a moderate 60-minute dive (MET 7) burns approximately 560 kcal. With cold water correction (+15%) that becomes roughly 644 kcal. Heavier divers and longer dives will burn proportionally more.
Frequently asked questions
▶ How accurate is this calorie calculator?
The MET-based calculation provides a useful estimate but individual results vary. Factors like fitness level, body composition, water temperature, current strength, and dive equipment all affect actual calorie burn. Use this as a guideline for planning nutrition and hydration around your dives.
▶ What MET value should I choose?
Choose "Very light" or "Light" for calm recreational dives with minimal current. "Moderate" suits most standard dives. Pick "Hard" for dives with noticeable current or heavy gear. "Very hard" is for strenuous conditions like strong currents, long surface swims, or technical diving.
▶ Should I eat more before a cold-water dive?
Yes – cold-water diving burns significantly more energy. Make sure to eat a balanced meal 1–2 hours before your dive and stay well hydrated. Bring high-energy snacks for surface intervals during multi-dive days.
▶ Does diving burn more calories than running?
Moderate scuba diving (MET 7) burns roughly the same calories as brisk walking (MET 5–7). Strenuous diving with currents (MET 9) can rival light jogging. The cold water factor adds a bonus that land-based activities do not have.