Calories Burned Mowing the Lawn: Chart by Weight and Calculator
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This page shows estimated calories burned while mowing the lawn. The table relies on standard MET data. These numbers are just estimates for a typical adult. Your real burn varies based on your fitness level, body composition, technique, and how hard you actually work. Keep in mind that fitness trackers also just estimate your output.
Use these tables as a baseline guide rather than an exact measure of your yard work.
Calories burned in 30 minutes
Estimated kilocalories (kcal) for 30 minutes of each activity, by body weight.
| Activity (Compendium) | MET | 120 lb 54 kg |
150 lb 68 kg |
180 lb 82 kg |
210 lb 95 kg |
240 lb 109 kg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mowing lawn, riding mower (Taylor Code 550) (code 08100) | 2.5 | 71 | 89 | 107 | 125 | 143 |
| Mowing lawn, power mower, light or moderate effort (Taylor Code 590) (code 08125) | 4.5 | 129 | 161 | 193 | 225 | 257 |
| Mowing lawn, general, walking, moderate effort (code 08095) | 5.5 | 157 | 196 | 236 | 275 | 314 |
| Mowing lawn, hand mower, vigorous effort (Taylor Code 570) (code 08110) | 6.0 | 171 | 214 | 257 | 300 | 343 |
By duration
For the row “Mowing lawn, general, walking, moderate effort” (5.5 METs):
| Time | 120 lb 54 kg |
150 lb 68 kg |
180 lb 82 kg |
210 lb 95 kg |
240 lb 109 kg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 min | 79 | 98 | 118 | 138 | 157 |
| 30 min | 157 | 196 | 236 | 275 | 314 |
| 45 min | 236 | 295 | 354 | 413 | 472 |
| 60 min | 314 | 393 | 472 | 550 | 629 |
Calculate your own estimate
The formula. kcal = MET × 3.5 × body weight in kg ÷ 200 × minutes.
Worked example. Mowing lawn, general, walking, moderate effort: 5.5 × 3.5 × 68.0 kg (150 lb) ÷ 200 × 30 min = about 196 kcal.
Which row is you?
The rows in the table separate different types of mowers and your effort level. Using a riding mower requires the least energy. Pushing a power mower takes light or moderate effort, while general walking with a mower increases the demand. Using a hand mower with vigorous effort burns the most calories. To pick the right row, match your equipment and how hard you push. If you use a self propelled mower on a flat yard, choose a lighter effort row. If you push a heavy manual mower through thick grass, look at the vigorous effort row.
What changes the real number
- The slope of your yard makes a big difference, as pushing uphill requires much more energy than walking on flat ground.
- The length and thickness of the grass change how hard you have to push a manual or power mower.
- The outside temperature and humidity affect your heart rate and perceived effort during yard work.
- The weight of your mower and how often you have to turn or maneuver around obstacles changes your energy output.
Practical tips
- Wear sturdy shoes with good traction to prevent slipping on wet grass or uneven ground.
- Stay hydrated by taking water breaks, especially when working in the heat for longer than 30 minutes.
- Track your active mowing time only, pausing your timer when you stop to empty the bag or clear debris.
About these numbers. MET values describe the average energy cost of an activity for adults; your own burn can be noticeably higher or lower. The values include resting energy use, so the extra calories from exercise are a little lower than the total shown. A separate Older Adult Compendium exists for people aged 60 and over.
Compare with similar activities
When to stop and see a doctor
- Sudden chest pain or heavy pressure that spreads to your neck or arms.
- Severe shortness of breath that feels out of proportion to your effort level.
- Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or faint while working in the heat.
This page is general information, not medical advice. If you have a heart condition, high blood pressure, joint problems, are pregnant or have been inactive for a long time, talk to your doctor before starting vigorous exercise.
How this page was made. MET values: 2024 Adult Compendium of Physical Activities (Herrmann and colleagues, Journal of Sport and Health Science, 2024), pacompendium.com, used code by code without combining activities. Calories calculated by us with the formula above. Text drafted with AI assistance and checked by the Training Desk; see how we write. Last checked October 2026.