Racquetball Calories Burned Calculator

Measure the high-intensity energy burn of racquetball.

Match Details

Burn Statistics

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How Many Calories Does Racquetball Burn?

Racquetball burns 365-950 calories per hour depending on intensity. Recreational play burns ~365-440 cal/hr, competitive matches burn 550-660 cal/hr, and elite tournament play can exceed 800 calories per hour.

Racquetball transforms the tennis court into an enclosed battleground where every wall is in play. The hollow rubber ball rebounds at high velocity from all six surfaces, creating a three-dimensional game requiring constant movement. This unique format generates sustained high-intensity exercise—players sprint, lunge, pivot, and reach through rapid-fire rallies with minimal rest between points.

Our calculator uses 2024 Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) indices. Racquetball intensity ranges from MET 5.0 for recreational play to MET 13.0 for elite championship matches. Competitive racquetball (MET 9.0) exceeds competitive tennis and matches competitive basketball.

Factors Influencing Racquetball Calorie Burn

Court Coverage

Full-court coverage retrieving every possible shot maximizes movement and calorie burn. Letting corner shots go uncontested reduces workout intensity by 20-30%.

Rally Intensity

Aggressive kill shots create shorter but more explosive rallies. Defensive ceiling balls and passing shots extend rallies, providing sustained moderate-to-high intensity.

Game Format

Singles burns more calories than doubles due to solo court coverage. Cutthroat (3-player) provides unique intensity as 2 opponents attack the server simultaneously.

Opponent Skill

Evenly matched opponents create longest rallies and highest calorie burn. Playing significantly stronger opponents increases defensive scrambling, while weaker opponents reduce movement demands.

Racquetball Burn Projections

Calories by Match Duration (70 kg / 154 lbs)

DurationRec (5.0)Moderate (7.0)Comp (9.0)Elite (13.0)
15 min92129166239
30 min184257331478
45 min276386497716
60 min368515662955
90 min5517729931433

Calories by Your Weight (30 min Competitive Match)

120 lbs
255
EST. BURN
140 lbs
302
EST. BURN
160 lbs
344
EST. BURN
180 lbs
386
EST. BURN
200 lbs
429
EST. BURN
220 lbs
473
EST. BURN

Racquetball vs. Other Activities (30 min, 70 kg)

🎾Racquetball (Competitive)331 cal
🎾Squash (Practice)257 cal
🎾Tennis (Singles)294 cal
🏀Basketball (Game)294 cal
🏀Basketball280 cal
🏐Volleyball (Comp)221 cal

Data source: 2024 Revised Compendium of Physical Activities.

Racquetball FAQ

Manish Kumar

Standardized & Verified By

Manish Kumar

Certified Fitness Professional (NASM) • Racquet Sports Specialist • Expert in racquetball conditioning and court sports fitness with 10+ years experience.