Research shows that sex burns an average of about 3 to 4 calories per minute. Specifically, men burn roughly 4.2 calories per minute, totaling about 101 calories per typical session, while women burn around 3.1 to 3.2 calories per minute, or about 69 calories per session

. The average sexual encounter, including foreplay and intercourse, lasts about 25 minutes in studies, but actual intercourse alone often averages around 5 to 6 minutes, which corresponds to about 20-25 calories burned for men and 15-20 calories for women during intercourse only

. Calorie burn varies depending on factors such as:

• Intensity and duration of the activity
• Sexual positions (positions requiring more movement, like being on top, burn more calories)
• Individual body composition and weight
• Whether foreplay is included

For example, more active positions like the "butter churner," standing, or doggy style can burn more calories-up to about 211 calories in 30 minutes in some estimates

. While sex burns fewer calories than many traditional exercises (e.g., running burns about twice as many calories per minute), it still counts as light to moderate physical activity and offers additional health benefits like stress reduction and improved cardiovascular health

. In summary:

• Men burn about 101 calories per average sex session (4.2 cal/min)
• Women burn about 69 calories per average sex session (3.1 cal/min)
• Average intercourse lasts 5-6 minutes, burning roughly 20-25 calories for men and 15-20 for women
• More active positions and longer duration increase calorie burn

Sex is not a high-calorie-burning workout but contributes to overall physical activity and well-being