Calories burned swimming
Swimming engages every major muscle group with near-zero joint impact. Calorie burn matches running for similar effort — more for strenuous strokes.
Light
347
kcal/hr
Moderate
540
kcal/hr
Vigorous
848
kcal/hr
For a 170 lb adult.
Calculator
MET-based formula. Adjust weight and duration.
Calories burned
540 kcal
170 lb · 60 min · moderate
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What it is
Continuous lap swimming. Stroke choice (freestyle, breaststroke, butterfly) and intensity dictate burn.
What changes the burn
- Stroke — butterfly burns most, breaststroke least
- Pace and duration
- Water temperature — cold water adds modestly
FAQ
Is swimming good for weight loss?
Yes — high calorie burn, low joint impact, full-body engagement. Hard to overdo without thinking. Underrated for sustainable weight management.
How calories burned is calculated
kcal = MET × kg × h
Swimming · MET 7 · ≈ 540 kcal/hr · 77 kg · moderate
Compendium of Physical Activities