How many calories does raking burn?

Moderate leaf raking burns approximately 4.0 MET, or about 280 kcal/hour for a 70 kg person. Raking heavier materials (gravel, soil) at 5.0 MET can burn about 25% more.

How long does it take to rake a yard?

A small yard (under 1,000 sq ft) takes about 20 minutes. A medium yard (1,000–3,000 sq ft) takes about 40 minutes. Large yards can take 70+ minutes.

Does bagging leaves burn extra calories?

Yes. Bagging leaves after raking burns approximately 3.8 MET. A combined rake-and-bag session averages about 4.3 MET.

Is raking good exercise?

Raking provides moderate-intensity physical activity that engages the arms, shoulders, back, core, and legs. It is a practical way to accumulate activity during autumn yard maintenance.

Raking Calories Burned Calculator

Name: Raking Calories Burned Calculator
Author: Manish Kumar

Type	MET	kcal/30 min
Raking Leaves (Light)	3.5	131
Raking Leaves (Moderate)	4	150
Raking Leaves (Vigorous)	4.5	169
Raking Grass Clippings	4	150
Raking Gravel / Soil	5	188
Bagging Leaves	3.8	143
Raking + Bagging Combined	4.3	161

Key Takeaways

Moderate raking burns approximately 4.0 MET — about 200–250 kcal/hour for a 75 kg person.^[1]
Raking engages the upper body, core, and legs through repetitive pulling and twisting motions, making it a functional full-body activity.^[2]
Raking heavier materials like gravel or wet leaves can increase the MET to 5.0, burning 25–30% more calories than light leaf raking.^[3]

How the Calculator Works

Calories = MET × Body Weight (kg) × Duration (hours)

Each raking type has a specific MET value from the Compendium of Physical Activities. The yard-size guide provides a time estimate to help you plan for complete coverage.^[1]

For heavier yard work, see the Digging & Shoveling Calorie Calculator or the Gardening Calorie Calculator.

Limitations and Important Notes

Yard-size estimates assume moderate tree cover and typical autumn leaf volume. Actual duration varies with leaf density and wind conditions.
Frequent breaks and variable pacing reduce the effective MET over a session.
This tool is for informational and journaling purposes only. It does not constitute personalized advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & References

2024 Adult Compendium of Physical Activities. Ainsworth BE, Haskell WL, et al.. J Sport Health Sci (2024)
2011 Compendium of physical activities: a second update of codes and MET values. Ainsworth BE, Haskell WL, et al.. Med Sci Sports Exerc (2011)
Gardening can be considered a form of physical activity. Park SA, Shoemaker CA, Haub MD. HortTechnology (2009)

Manish Kumar

Certified Personal Trainer & Sports Nutritionist

NASM-CPTCertified Sports Nutritionist10+ Years Experience500+ Clients Coached

NASM-certified fitness and nutrition coach with over 10 years of hands-on experience helping people build strength, lose fat, and live healthier lives. Specializing in gym-based workouts with a strong focus on lifting technique, biomechanics, and practical exercise science. Through FitLifeRegime, sharing the tools, tips, and insights that have worked for hundreds of clients — helping you start your own fitness journey with confidence and clarity.

Learn more about Manish

NASM Certified

Certified Personal Trainer & Sports Nutritionist from the National Academy of Sports Medicine

This tool is for informational and journaling purposes only.

I am NOT a doctor.

Raking Calories Burned Calculator