How many extra calories does standing burn per hour?

Standing burns approximately 8-15 extra calories per hour compared to sitting, depending on your weight. For a 150-pound person, that's about 10 extra calories per hour or 80 extra calories over an 8-hour workday.

Is standing all day good for you?

Standing all day isn't ideal either—it can cause leg fatigue, varicose veins, and back strain. The healthiest approach is alternating between sitting and standing every 30-60 minutes throughout the day.

Will a standing desk help me lose weight?

Standing alone won't cause significant weight loss—the extra 50-100 calories daily is modest. However, combined with other healthy habits and reduced sedentary time, it contributes to overall metabolic health and weight management.

How long should I stand at my desk?

Research suggests a ratio of 1:1 to 2:1 sitting to standing is beneficial—standing for 15-30 minutes per hour. Start with shorter periods and increase gradually to avoid fatigue.

Does fidgeting while sitting help burn calories?

Yes! Fidgeting, shifting position, and small movements while sitting can burn 100-200 extra calories per day. Some research shows "active sitting" with movement can match or exceed standing calorie burn.

What burns more calories—standing or walking?

Walking burns significantly more—about 3-4 times as many calories as standing. A brief 5-minute walk every hour is more beneficial for calorie burn than standing stationary for the same period.

Standing vs Sitting Calories Burned — 2026 Calculator

Standing burns ~50 more calories/hour than sitting. Free calculator to compare standing vs sitting calorie burn by weight and time.

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