Rowing Machine Calorie Calculator

Last Updated: Nov 21, 2025

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Looking for a rowing machine calorie calculator? You have come to the right place. We have built this calculator to help you find out how many calories you are burning while exercising on a rowing machine. 

A rowing machine is one of the most effective full-body workouts, and knowing how many calories you burn during a session helps you set goals and stay motivated.

A boyin rowing a machine for calories burn

What Is “Rowing Machine Calories”?

A rowing machine is an indoor exercise machine that simulates the activity of rowing a boat on water. Rowing makes your body use energy to move your legs, core, and arms together, that burned energy is measured as rowing machine calories.

There are many factors used to calculate rowing calories, such as:

  • Your body weight
  • Your duration
  • Your intensity level
  • The effort (MET value)

What Is a Rowing Machine Calorie Calculator?

A rowing machine calorie calculator is an online, simple yet handy tool that uses science-backed MET data (ACSM-style standards) to estimate calories.

There are several things that it takes into consideration to estimate the rowing machine calories burned, such as:

  • Your body weight (in kg or lb)
  • Total duration of rowing workout session
  • Rowing workout intensity level such as light, moderate or high
  • MET value, which is used to estimate energy cost

The calculator gives you accurate and standardized calorie estimates.

How Rowing Machine Calories Are Calculated

If you are confused or unsure about how rowing machine calories are calculated don't worry. The Calculator uses an ACSM-style MET equation, and it is fairly simple. Look at the following equation:

Calories per minute = (MET × 3.5 × weight(kg)) ÷ 200

then, find total calories:

Total Calories = Calories/min × total minutes

That way, you can estimate your calories burned. Keep reading to learn more with a real world example.

Real-World Examples

Step 1: Determine your weight e.g. 80 kg, your workout duration e.g 10 min, and lastly your workout intensity e.g. Vigorous (8.5 MET).

Step 2: Find out your calories per minute by using standard formula:

  • Calories/min = (8.5 × 3.5 × 80) ÷ 200
  • Calories/min = 11.9 kcal/min

Step 3: Lastly, multiply the calories per minute with duration:

  • Total calories = 11.9 × 10
  • Total calories = 119 kcal

If you do not like to do the math, you may use our rowing machine calculator that automates the process. You just enter your values, and the calculator computes your calories automatically.

Tips to Burn More Calories on a Rowing Machine

If your goal is to burn more calories during your rowing machine workout, follow this set of instructions:

  • Add intervals such as 1 minute hard rowing workout, 1 minute easy.
  • Gradually increase the stroke rate
  • Row longer at moderate intensity
  • Use legs more than arms
  • Adjust the damper/resistance