Related
This discussion has been locked.
You can no longer post new replies to this discussion. If you have a question you can start a new discussion

Calories change when activity is uploaded to Garmin Connect

Former Member
Former Member
I was using a powermeter so I have kJ data of what I'm puting on pedals.
As 1kJ is 0,24Kcal but... there is an efficiency (body processes also consume energy, and lots of energy lost as heat) of around 25-26% in most athletes... we can assume that 1kJ measured is really 1Kcal (calories, as displayed in Garmin) burned.
Strava also assume that inefficiency when you have kJ data provided by a powermeter, they assume ther is only 26% of efficiency.
All authors and publications are assuming this.

While in route, my device measures calories (Kcal) almost same number as kJ so I suppose the Garmin software of Edge 520 is following what I told before... isn't it?

BUT, when you upload activities to Garmin Connect, then calories recorded will change!!!
In my case, as if I had an efficiency of only 16% instead 25-26% so then...calories recorded in the activity (seen in Garmin connect) are more than what they must be.

Why is this happening?
  • 0
    I have the similar problem - in watch I can see that there was 123 calories used in workout but after sync with CG, in web I see that there are already 254 calories. And in running I have too these strange calories updates - in watch 1123, in CG 1294. And sometime's there was no any adjustments in calories.
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member
    I have the similar problem - in watch I can see that there was 123 calories used in workout but after sync with CG, in web I see that there are already 254 calories. And in running I have too these strange calories updates - in watch 1123, in CG 1294. And sometime's there was no any adjustments in calories.


    You mean you have this problem cycling and also similar problem when running?

    Are you using a powermeter too?
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member
    I am seeing same issue on my Forerunner 935 with software version 7.6. On the watch when I look at an activity there is one number, but that number is different and lower once uploaded to Garmin connect and viewing it on the website. For instance a workout yesterday shows as 958 calories on the watch, but on the Garmin Connect website that activity shows 621 calories. That was for a bike activity (which was really an elliptical workout but I have a speed/cadence sensor setup on the elliptical to track my stats). However for a 3 mile run this evening, the calories on the watch and on Garmin Connect match.

    I checked the device settings on Garmin app on my phone, and my heart rate zones are set to match across all sports. However, under User settings on the app (not device settings) I do see a VO2 max set for Running but not for Cycling. maybe that has something to do with it? No idea.
  • 0
    You mean you have this problem cycling and also similar problem when running?

    Are you using a powermeter too?


    No, I have this problem with cardio workouts and running.
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member
    Same here with a VivoSmart HR+
    Yesterday did indoor cycling and burned 501 calories according the VivoSmart HR+
    After uploading to Connect and there it shows 849 calories!
    Checked other indoor cycling sessions and they all show a higher value in Connect.

    I also checked when I go outdoor running (with GPS); calories match exactly.
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member
    My indoor rowing sessions show with different calorie counts on the watch (higher, the normal range where I'm usually at) and much lower in GC. This with an F5X and SW 7.6/7.91. Not experiencing this with my strength training sessions. So, it happens only with certain types of activities.
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member
    I am seeing same issue on my Forerunner 935 with software version 7.6. On the watch when I look at an activity there is one number, but that number is different and lower once uploaded to Garmin connect and viewing it on the website. For instance a workout yesterday shows as 958 calories on the watch, but on the Garmin Connect website that activity shows 621 calories. That was for a bike activity (which was really an elliptical workout but I have a speed/cadence sensor setup on the elliptical to track my stats). However for a 3 mile run this evening, the calories on the watch and on Garmin Connect match.

    I checked the device settings on Garmin app on my phone, and my heart rate zones are set to match across all sports. However, under User settings on the app (not device settings) I do see a VO2 max set for Running but not for Cycling. maybe that has something to do with it? No idea.


    To have VO2 estimation for cycling you need to have a powermeter installed...
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member
    Same behaviour here. Cardio activity recorded with vivoactive HR changes from 547 on the device to 866 when uploaded to Garmin Connect. Active calories for the day remain correct. Strength training isn't affected (both activities are logged with chest strap).
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member
    I was using a powermeter so I have kJ data of what I'm puting on pedals.
    As 1kJ is 0,24Kcal but... there is an efficiency (body processes also consume energy, and lots of energy lost as heat) of around 25-26% in most athletes... we can assume that 1kJ measured is really 1Kcal (calories, as displayed in Garmin) burned.
    Strava also assume that inefficiency when you have kJ data provided by a powermeter, they assume ther is only 26% of efficiency.
    All authors and publications are assuming this.

    While in route, my device measures calories (Kcal) almost same number as kJ so I suppose the Garmin software of Edge 520 is following what I told before... isn't it?

    BUT, when you upload activities to Garmin Connect, then calories recorded will change!!!
    In my case, as if I had an efficiency of only 16% instead 25-26% so then...calories recorded in the activity (seen in Garmin connect) are more than what they must be.

    Why is this happening?


    Now this problem solved for me...

    Real kJ data measured with the power meter in the activitiy are now same number as Calories (Kcal) recorded in Garmin Connect
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member
    Has anyone answered this question? I have the same issue that the calorie count on my fenix 5 sapphire for an activity doesn't match the calorie count when I have uploaded the activity to GarminConnect. Does anyone know why this is happening or have a solution for it? Thank you.