Aug 24, 2026
How Many Calories Does a Standing Desk Burn vs Sitting?
Standing desk work burns about 63 kcal in 30 minutes at 70 kg (MET ≈ 1.8). Tables by weight/duration, intensity caveats, and how IGNITE AI keeps food honest after the session.
Standing beats sitting slightly. It will not outrun takeout. Pace meetings and walking meetings matter more than the desk height meme.
Working MET ≈ 1.8 (standing quietly — not pacing meetings). At 70 kg that is ~63 kcal / 30 min. Scale for bodyweight; long rests lower the real total.
Calorie table
Estimated calories for Standing desk work (MET ≈ 1.8):
55 kg: 15 min: ~25 · 30 min: ~50 · 45 min: ~74 · 60 min: ~99
70 kg: 15 min: ~32 · 30 min: ~63 · 45 min: ~95 · 60 min: ~126
85 kg: 15 min: ~38 · 30 min: ~77 · 45 min: ~115 · 60 min: ~153
Continuous effort only.
Where IGNITE AI fits
Desk calories are tiny; lunch is not. IGNITE AI focuses you on the meal that moves the needle while Health steps cover the fidgeting.
Bottom line
Use ~63 kcal / 30 min at 70 kg as a starting point for standing desk work, then trust weekly food averages more than any single board.