Running vs Basketball: Calories Burned Compared (2026)

Running burns 345 calories in 30 minutes and 689 calories per hour, while Basketball burns 228 calories in 30 minutes and 457 calories per hour. Running has a MET value of about 9.8, while Basketball is about 6.5.

This comparison examines the calories burned by Running and Basketball, both high-impact activities. Factors influencing calorie burn include METs, body weight, duration, and intensity.

What Is the Difference Between Running and Basketball?

Running is a high-impact cardiovascular exercise that involves moving at a fast pace on foot. It engages multiple muscle groups and significantly elevates heart rate. Basketball is a high-impact team sport that combines running, jumping, and quick lateral movements. It promotes agility and endurance while engaging various muscle groups.

Running vs Basketball: Calories Burned Side by Side

Below is a side-by-side comparison of calories burned during Running and Basketball.

Duration (155 lb / 70 kg)	Running	Basketball
15 min	172 cal	114 cal
30 min	345 cal	228 cal
45 min	517 cal	343 cal
60 min	689 cal	457 cal

Values are for a 155-pound (70 kg) person. A heavier body burns more, a lighter body less, at the same intensity.

Which Burns More Calories, Running or Basketball?

For burning the most calories: Running burns 117 more calories than Basketball in 30 minutes, totaling 345 calories compared to 228 calories.

For time efficiency: Running burns 11.5 calories per minute, while Basketball burns 7.6 calories per minute.

For lower-impact exercise: Basketball, with a MET value of 6.5, is less intense than Running, which has a MET value of 9.8.

Tracking Exercise in Nutrola

Calories burned only count toward your goal if you record them. Nutrola lets you log a session of running or basketball by describing it in your own words by voice or text, by picking an exercise type and intensity, or by entering the calories directly, and on iOS and Android it can sync workouts automatically from Apple Health or Health Connect. Logged workouts sit next to the food you track from a photo, barcode, or voice entry, so calories in and calories out stay in one place. Nutrola is available from EUR 2.50 per month and shows no ads on any tier.

Sources and Method

MET (metabolic equivalent) values are from the 2011 Compendium of Physical Activities (Ainsworth et al.), the standard reference for the energy cost of physical activity. Calories are estimated with calories = METs x body weight in kilograms x duration in hours. Running is rated at about 9.8 METs (6 mph, a 10-minute mile) and Basketball at about 6.5 METs (general play). Real burn varies with fitness, technique, terrain, and effort, so treat these as close estimates, not exact counts. This is educational and not medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which activity burns more calories?

Running burns 345 calories in 30 minutes and 689 calories in an hour. Basketball burns 228 calories in 30 minutes and 457 calories in an hour.

Which is better for weight loss?

Running burns 689 calories per hour, while Basketball burns 457 calories per hour. Higher calorie burn can contribute more effectively to weight loss.

How many calories does Running burn in 30 minutes?

Running burns 345 calories in 30 minutes. This is based on a MET value of about 9.8.

How many calories does Basketball burn in an hour?

Basketball burns 457 calories in an hour. It has a MET value of about 6.5.

What is the MET value for Running?

Running has a MET value of about 9.8. This indicates a high level of intensity.

What is the MET value for Basketball?

Basketball has a MET value of about 6.5. This reflects its high-impact nature but lower intensity compared to Running.

Key Takeaways

• Running burns 689 calories per hour.
• Basketball burns 457 calories per hour.
• Running burns 345 calories in 30 minutes.
• Basketball burns 228 calories in 30 minutes.
• Running has a MET value of about 9.8.
• Basketball has a MET value of about 6.5.